Heart of the Game

iHeartPodcasts•www.iheart.com

In the game of life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and nurturing meaningful connections with family can be among the most formidable challenges we face. Yet, for many professional athletes, fostering both has proven to be a triumphant recipe for success.

On Heart of the Game, host Jon Frankel (HBO Real Sports) sits down with some of the biggest families in sports - legends, current superstars and the up & coming playmakers - to get inside what’s really making them tick. What roles have their families and self care played in their paths to championship glory?

Whether it’s taking care of your heart, safeguarding your mental health or persevering through injuries - listen as we hear the invaluable lessons being passed down to a new generation of athletes.

This is HEART OF THE GAME.

Last refreshed: June 28th, 2025 at 8:05 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz and Collegiate Player D’Angelo Ortiz

MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz will always be known as “Big Papi” to Boston Red Sox fans, but the now-retired slugger is content to simply be “dad” these days. Ortiz’s son D’Angelo Ortiz is currently chasing his own dreams of baseball stardom, playing for Miami-Dade College. “Heart of the Game” host Jon Frankel talks to the Ortiz boys about their shared passion for baseball and the challenge of growing up in the shadow of a legend. Also, learn how a chance hospital visit sparked David Ortiz’s ong...

Dec 14, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Volleyball Stars Logan and Shaye Eggleston

After graduating and winning a national title for the University of Texas, volleyball superstar Logan Eggleston is now playing professionally in Turkey and has become a leading advocate for the game. Her sister, Shaye Eggleston, is a rising volleyball star in her own right, as a two-time Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year and current outside hitter at the University of Cincinnati. Host Jon Frankel talks to Logan and Shaye about growing up, supporting each other, the pressures faced by student...

Nov 30, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Olympic Water Polo Family Erich, Aria and Makenzie Fischer

Makenzie and Aria Fischer set NCAA records while building a water polo dynasty at Stanford. They simultaneously led Team USA to Olympic gold. Host Jon Frankel talks to the sisters about learning the sport from their dad, Erich Fischer, a fellow Olympian, and uncovers the secrets behind their legendary success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 16, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 6

French Open Champions Luke and Murphy Jensen

The Jensen Brothers, Luke and Murphy, shook up tennis in the 1990s with their play and personalities, winning the French Open doubles title, and transcending the sport. The brothers talk with host Jon Frankel about the price they paid for stardom, and their on-court legacy. They also detail the terrifying incident that almost cost Murphy his life. Learn more about the Jensens and Murphy’s advocacy at https://www.murphyjensen.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 02, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix and Wes Felix

Allyson Felix has more Olympic medals than any other track and field athlete in U.S. history, including a walk-off Gold medal win in her last Olympic Games. But her greatest triumph may have come off the track, as she fought for the maternal rights of female athletes. Allyson and her brother and agent Wes Felix talk with host Jon Frankel about overcoming a dangerous pregnancy emergency and how she stays in shape now that she’s no longer a competitive sprinter. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

Oct 19, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4

NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. and NBA Superstar Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway was a game-changing playmaker with the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat. Tim Hardaway, Jr. wanted to follow in his Hall of Fame footsteps and has made a name for himself in the NBA as a lethal outside shooter. Host Jon Frankel talks with the Hardaways about how the game of basketball brings them together, how they’ve both endured and overcome serious injuries, and why Tim Hardaway Jr. didn’t embrace his dad’s signature crossover move. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...

Oct 05, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 3

U.S. Soccer Great John Harkes and MLS Star Ian Harkes

John Harkes helped awaken soccer fever in the United States as captain of the US Men’s national team during the 1994 World Cup. His son Ian Harkes pursued the “family business,” and is currently playing for the New England Revolution in the MLS. The Harkes boys talk with host Jon Frankel about the changes in how professional soccer players train now versus when John Harkes was on the pitch, and what it’s like to grow up in a family where everyone plays soccer for a living. See omnystudio.com/lis...

Sep 21, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 2

NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner and sons Kade and E.J. Warner

Host Jon Frankel sits down with NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner and his sons, up-and-coming players Kade & E.J. Warner, to discuss the significance of family, philanthropy, and football. The Warners share their views on how the game of football has evolved over time, how Kurt stays fit after retiring and what his sons aim to achieve on and off the field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 07, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Welcome to Heart of the Game

On Heart of the Game, host Jon Frankel (HBO Real Sports) sits down with some of the biggest families in sports to get inside what’s really making them tick. What roles have their families and self care played in their paths to championship glory? Whether it’s taking care of your heart, safeguarding your mental health or persevering through injuries - listen as we hear the invaluable lessons being passed down to a new generation of athletes. Listen to HEART OF THE GAME starting Thursday, Septembe...

Aug 31, 2023•2 min

Hosted on Omny Studio

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android