Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh are joined by Fried Egg Golf’s Brendan Porath to examine the crumbling of LIV Golf in the wake of Brooks Koepka’s reinstatement by the PGA Tour. Then Alex and Ben speak to author Chuck Klosterman about his new book, simply titled, Football . Klosterman predicts the eventual demise of America’s most beloved sport, and explains why it will be widely misunderstood by future generations. The panel wraps with more football, breaking down the Col...
Jan 20, 2026•1 hr 18 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh unpack a thrilling wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. Lindsay’s Panthers are out, John Harbaugh has been fired, the reigning champions exit early, and Caleb Williams grated some cheese. The panel is then joined by soccer journalist Hayden Van Brewer to explain how Manchester United have gotten so abysmally bad over the years. To close, Lindsay and Ben ask Alex to break down the College Football Playoffs and the upcoming championship game....
Jan 13, 2026•56 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh are joined J.C. Bradbury , professor and author of the forthcoming book This One Will Be Different: False Promises and Fiscal Realities of Publicly Funded Stadiums , for a frank discussion of Kansas’ plan to spend nearly $2 billion on a new Chiefs stadium, and how taxpayers are often left footing the bill for largely private gain. The hosts also fire up the MLB hot stove and examine the NFL playoff picture. On the bonus episode available ex...
Jan 06, 2026•1 hr 7 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh look into their crystal balls and tell us what to look out for in the sports world of the future! Will we see more LeBron? More sports betting scandals? A Bill Super Bowl win? A Trump immigration World Cup incident? Only time and the all-knowing Hang Up hosts can tell. In the second half of our show, we’re sharing Alex’s recent conversation with Mary Harris on What Next . Predictions (2:54): 2026 What Next (41:50) : Mary Harris interviews A...
Dec 29, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh look back on 2025, picking their top sports stories from each month—from the Luka trade and torpedo bats to a Trumpy Ryder Cup and OKC’s championship. It's been a year! On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel unpacks Trump’s proposed Patriot Games. January - April (3:51): CFP - Rory May - August (26:58) : Coco Gauff - Belichick September - December (50:43): Ryder Cup - Puka Nacua (Note: time codes are on...
Dec 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh discuss the shocking circumstances around the firing and arrest of Michigan coach Sherrone Moore and how his misconduct speaks to a systemic issue within Michigan Athletics. Next, the team is joined by The Ringer’s David Shoemaker to pay tribute to the pro wrestling career of John Cena following his final match. And finally, Turkish sociologist and journalist Dağhan Irak helps us unpack the betting scandal rocking Turkish football. On the b...
Dec 16, 2025•49 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh discuss last week’s bizarre and pandering World Cup draw with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton. Next, the team talks about the obviously controversial College Football playoff rankings, and finally the latest in an antitrust trial that involves NASCAR and Michael Jordan. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the gang talks about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s potentially historic rise to the top Get more Hang Up and Lis...
Dec 08, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh discuss Lane Kiffin’s latest dramatic exit, leaving Ole Miss for LSU right before a playoff run. Then, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander explains the big money behind the launch of the new in-season college basketball tournament, the Players Era. Finally, the panel looks at two NBA legends: Chris Paul (nearing retirement), and LeBron James (somehow finding another gear). On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel ...
Dec 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh speak with the Athletic’s Paul Tenorio on why Apple TV and MLS revised their deal and removed the paywall for viewers. They’re then joined by Massachusetts state senator John Keenan about his proposal to regulate online sports betting and why he’s changed his views on the issue. Finally, they wrap with a discussion of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, the young hockey phenoms leading the NHL in scoring. Lindsay has an Afterball on the on...
Nov 24, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh speak with Yahoo Sports writer Dan Devine about the fallout from the Luka Dončić trade and the subsequent sacking of GM Nico Harrison in Dallas. Then Slate’s Nitish Pahwa joins to unpack the latest dispute between Disney and YouTube TV and what it means for the future of sports streaming. Finally, the Ringer’s Danny Chau stops by to discuss Victor Wembanyama’s breakout season and whether this could be the year he carries the Spurs back to t...
Nov 18, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh are joined by Knicks superfan and X-Ray Vision host Jason Concepcion for a discussion on Zohran Mamdani’s Knicks fandom and the team’s presence in the mayoral race. The panel turns to yet another major betting scandal – this time in Major League Baseball. Later, journalist Nathan Fenno joins to explain the wave of high-profile burglaries targeting professional athletes. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the ...
Nov 10, 2025•1 hr
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh discuss what was possibly the greatest World Series of all time. Then they’re joined by Matt Brown , the publisher of Extra Points , to break down the competing Republican and Democratic proposals that could reshape the future of college sports. Finally, the Hang Up podfather Josh Levin returns to introduce his new sports history podcast, Replay Booth , and shares an Afterball about a forgotten baseball hero. On the bonus episode available ...
Nov 04, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh discuss the federal indictments of NBA players and coaches for gambling incidents and how the ubiquity of online betting plays a role.. Then the panel is joined by the host of the Ringer’s F1 podcast, Megan Schuster , to discuss the excitement and drama heading into the final stretch of the Formula 1 season. Finally, they finish with a mid-season NFL check-in. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel disc...
Oct 27, 2025•55 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh are joined by Nate Silver , founder of FiveThirtyEight and Silver Bulletin, to discuss his new NFL prediction model “ELWAY” and what it reveals about an unpredictable football league. Later in the show, OG Hang Up host Stefan Fatsis returns to talk about his new book on the dictionary, “Unabridged: The Thrill of and Threat to the Modern Dictionary,” and to share some of his favorite sports word definitions. The panel also previews the upcom...
Oct 21, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh are joined by the Times’s Martyn Ziegler to explain the ripple effects of the Gaza ceasefire on UEFA and Israeli soccer. Then, The New York Times sports reporter Ken Belson joins to unravel the continued drama surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show and the backdoor dealings of NFL owners. Finally, the hosts ask if the Seattle Mariners are this year’s team of destiny? Ben’s Afterball looks at NHL superstar Connor McDavid’s surprisi...
Oct 14, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Lindsay Gibbs , and Ben Lindbergh speak to Slate’s Nitish Pahwa about prediction markets and the legally gray future of gambling. Then they turn to college football and Bill Belichick’s messy start at UNC. The panel wraps with a discussion of Napheesa Collier’s recent criticism of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the backlash it caused. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, Bad Bunny hits the Super Bowl halftime stage! Prediction Markets (3...
Oct 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs speak to Fried Egg Golf’s Kevin Van Valkenburg about the American crowds, President, and golf lapses at the Ryder Cup. Ben previews the MLB playoffs, and the hosts discuss the purchase of Electronic Arts by Jared Kushner and a Saudi investment fund. For Afterballs, Ben dusts off a copy of Robert Redford’s oft-forgotten and underrated ski film, Downhill Racer . On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, Lindsay recoun...
Sep 29, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs discuss the WNBA playoffs and the Indiana Fever's surprise success, despite an injured Caitlin Clark. They get into the uptick in long NFL field goals. Then they speak with managing editor of True Blue LA, Eric Stephen , about the career and retirement of Clayton Kershaw. For Afterballs, Ben recaps the final week of the MLB regular season and its nail-biting finishes. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the ho...
Sep 22, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs discuss the beginning of the NFL season, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ 0-2 record; their worst start since 2014 when they last missed the playoffs. Has their aging lineup started to catch up to them? Plus, the return of tush-push discourse. Next, the 38-year-old Sidney Crosby has played a whopping 20 seasons for the Penguins and is arguably the best player of his generation. But as the Penguins continue to flail, Crosby’s management is signal...
Sep 15, 2025•59 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs are joined by tennis writer Ben Rothenberg for a breakdown of the U.S. Open’s final days - where Trump was booed, Alcarez and Sinner battled, and Osaka was defeated. They also delve into the recent Steve Ballmer controversy, as well as Week 1 of the NFL. Finally, Ben has an afterball on the legacies of goalie Ken Dryden and second baseman Davey Johnson. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts speak to Mo...
Sep 08, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs discuss college football’s wild week one, including Bill Belichick’s disastrous debut with the Tar Heels and Arch Manning’s early struggles. They dissect the baffling Micah Parsons trade, and later welcome Syracuse sports management professor Lindsey Darvin to explore whether the world of video gaming is boosting women's sports. Finally, Ben has an Afterball on, “unwritten rules” in tennis, and their effect on the U.S. Open. On the bonus ep...
Sep 03, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs discuss ESPN’s new $30-a-month streaming service, and the media giant’s attempt to maintain a streaming service without cutting off its cable cash cow. The panel then welcomes the New Yorker staff writer Louisa Thomas to review the U.S. Open’s revamped mixed doubles event. They also weigh in on Anthony Richardson and the Colts’ decision to bench their young quarterback ahead of the regular season. On the bonus episode available exclusively ...
Aug 25, 2025•57 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs speak to the Athletic’s Carson Kessler about her recent investigative series on the rise of stalking in sports. The panel then previews the upcoming college football season before welcoming golf journalist Brendan Porath to break down the Ryder Cup and the drama around Keegan Bradley potentially being the first player-captain since the early 1960s. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, Ben explains how the Milwa...
Aug 18, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs are joined by Cowboys beat writer RJ Ochoa to dissect the messy public contract negotiations between Jerry Jones and superstar Micah Parsons. The panel also discusses the relocation dispute between the Connecticut Sun and the WNBA, plus Jen Pawol becoming the first female umpire in MLB. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel talks about the Kansas City Chiefs not being favored to win the Super Bowl this...
Aug 11, 2025•59 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs talk to sportswriter Rodger Sherman about how the United States’ immigration maneuvering might affect the Olympics. They also discuss the NFL’s new multibillion dollar deal with ESPN, and how the Minnesota Twins’ massive trade-off could affect the team – and the rest of MLB. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel holds a special draft: one fictional player and one real player they want back in the game....
Aug 04, 2025•53 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs speak with ESPN senior NFL reporter Kalyn Kahler on the secrets, scandals, and leadership implosion plaguing the NFL Players Association ahead of labor negotiations. They also discuss the historic induction of Ichiro Suzuki in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the death of Hulk Hogan. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel reviews the new movie Happy Gilmore 2. NFLPA (2:59): Behind the scenes of th...
Jul 28, 2025•56 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs discuss the brilliant (but boringly calm) Scottie Scheffler, who racked up yet another victory at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. The hosts then welcome Front Office Sports writer Annie Costabile to examine the WNBA’s All-Star weekend. They also get into the MLB All-Star game’s swing-off finale. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel ranks their favorite and least favorite innovations in sports...
Jul 21, 2025•55 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs are joined by Giri Nathan , co-founder of Defector and author of the new book Changeover , for a discussion of Jannik Sinner’s breakthrough win and Iga Świątek’s domination at Wimbledon. The panel also digs into the Atlanta Braves’ surprisingly disappointing season, and then they welcome sportswriter Henry Bushnell to post-mortem the FIFA Club World Cup. Plus, Lindsay has an Afterball on the amazing career and retirement of soccer player To...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs break down an unexpectedly quiet start to NBA free agency while big trade rumors keep swirling. They dig into fresh betting scandals rattling baseball and basketball, including Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz. And they debate whether the WNBA’s ambitious expansion plans are moving too fast for the league’s own good. Plus, Alex has an Afterball about the remarkable mismanagement of the Washington Nationals. On the bonus episode available exclus...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Hosts Alex Kirshner , Ben Lindbergh , and Lindsay Gibbs discuss Caitlin Clark’s injuries, controversies, and dramas that continue to spotlight the Fever and WNBA. They also get into the effects of major league baseball teams' use of minor league ballparks, plus a talk with SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell to break down the NBA draft. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel speaks to Out of Your League newsletter writer Frankie de la Cretaz , about the Golden State...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min
