This episode starts with two questions: If women equally led the 1979 revolution, why were their rights stripped away first? How does this happen to an emboldened part of the population? At first, the women fight back, chanting “Azadi! Azadi!” [translation: “Freedom! Freedom!”] in the streets until the clerics back down. But in a story told by legendary writer and activist Mehrangiz Kar, women’s rights erode one by one – leading us to the nationwide ban on women at stadiums. This is when Iran's ...
Dec 08, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast One game sets off a movement. In 1997 Iran surprisingly makes the World Cup in the last three minutes of play against Australia. When Iran's national team gets helicoptered into Azadi Stadium to celebrate, women are asked to stay home. They don't listen, and thousands rush the stadium. This is the origin story of the White Scarves, a group that uses international soccer matches to defy the regime and take back their country. As the White Scarves gain international fame, they face grave danger at...
Dec 08, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast (Warning: this episode includes description of a suicide). The newest generation of Iranian girl soccer fans take a bold new approach. They cross-dress as men to sneak into Azadi Stadium, documenting their rebellion live on social media - an irreverent middle finger to the government. One of those girls is Zeinab Sahafy, from Episode 1. One night four of her friends are arrested and she flees for her life. Another girl, still in the country, loses her life. In a moment described as “a miracle,” ...
Dec 08, 2022•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast In Iran, women are banned from soccer stadiums. But some dare to defy that. From 30 for 30 Podcasts, Pink Card tells a story of Iranian women fighting for their rights across three generations. They use ingenious tactics and risk their lives to take back their stadiums and their joy in the game. Created by Shima Oliaee (Dolly Parton’s America, Radiolab), Pink Card will forever change how you see fandom and freedom. Available December 8th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...
Nov 28, 2022•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Baseball holds its records sacred. Most home runs, strikeouts, career wins. But what about the longest game ever? That honor goes to a 1981 AAA game, when the Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings slugged it out from dusk to dawn. The record-breaking 33 innings brought hope, despair and drama on and off the field. Radio Diaries and 30 for 30 Podcasts take listeners to that frigid, surreal night with the voices who lived it – including Hall of Famers Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken Jr. Most heroes ...
Aug 23, 2022•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Streetball. It's a style of basketball defined by trash talk, windmill dunks, no-look passes, and broken ankles. You can find streetball at city parks and rec centers, driveways and playgrounds, pro-am leagues and even -- in spirit -- NBA arenas. Through it all, you might even call it hoops in its purest form. Drawing inspiration from hip hop mixtapes, this podcast explores how streetball – and the way it’s played around the United States – has shaped not just the game of basketball, but the cou...
May 31, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nipsey’s life story lives on in his music, but only a handful of people witnessed Hussle in creation mode. Meet the brothers behind the beats and hear some of the secrets of the “slaps.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 30, 2021•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nipsey traveled across the world, but all of his love and loyalty funneled back to the community that raised him. With the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue as his headquarters, this episode looks at Nipsey’s devout local commitment — and how that played out in the worlds of business, philanthropy and social justice as many young Black men in the NBA began to actively engage in those areas as well. In death, Nipsey left a blueprint for this friends to follow, and through them, Nips...
Aug 23, 2021•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast There are a ton of descriptions that could properly summarize Nipsey Hussle’s music career. But “overnight” isn’t one of them. A decade-plus-long journey through time that weaves in the highs, lows, joys and pains of Nipsey’s voyage to his debut album ‘Victory Lap.’ And how that marathon ran parallel with the NBA players who were in awe of his every move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 23, 2021•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nipsey Hussle is a Los Angeles icon, but what’s the story behind that? Before the fame, he was Ermias Asghedom, a young kid coming of age in the South Crenshaw district. Life in South LA was beautiful, but it wasn’t for the weak of heart either. This episode is a look into the world that raised, bruised, and ultimately made Nipsey Hussle the man he became. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 23, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Nipsey Hussle was murdered on March 31, 2019 in front of his South LA clothing store, the tragedy elicited immediate tributes across industries, walks of life, and international borders. One world in particular where the news resonated on a personal level — the NBA, where Hussle had long, deep and authentic ties. For the host Justin Tinsley and many young Black men in the league, like DeMar DeRozan, Isaiah Thomas, and Demarcus Cousins, Nipsey was far more than a rapper who wrote the score t...
Aug 23, 2021•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast The King of Crenshaw is a four-part podcast series that will focus on how the late Nipsey Hussle’s life, death, and legacy deeply impacted the sports world. This series aims to examine how that overlap of Black male creativity, talent, and ambition will forever live on in Nipsey’s responsibility to his neighborhood. And how NBA players are vowing to continue his marathon moving forward. From 30 for 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated. Hosted by Justin Tinsley, Senior Reporter for The Undefeated. Orig...
Aug 18, 2021•3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Americans woke up on March 11 2020 in one reality and, by the time they went to sleep that night, they were living with a new one. Hear the story of the day everything changed — the day the NBA shut down and the pandemic became real — as told by those who lived it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 21, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast There has perhaps been no greater event in recent history that has so clearly underlined how integral sports are to our culture than the coronavirus pandemic has. March 11 2020 will tell the story of a seismic day that started in one reality and ended with a new one — the day the NBA shut down and the pandemic became real — as told by those who lived it. Full episode available December 21, 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 14, 2020•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Martha has turned the U.S. women’s gymnastics program into a world powerhouse. But as Martha is taking her final victory lap at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the gymnastics community is rocked by a scandal that will shock the world. The Karolyis’ legacy is called into question as the gymnasts grapple with the cost of what it took to earn all that gold. If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual assault or abuse, and you would like more information or support, these hotlines can help: RA...
Jul 14, 2020•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast For years, Martha Karolyi avoided the spotlight — appearing only as the mysterious and subservient partner of her boisterous husband. But when she is tapped to take over the national team, Martha finally comes into full view. Martha aims to prove that she can turn the United States into a dominant force in gymnastics, building teams that win gold medal after gold medal. But under Martha’s regime, injured athletes are often discarded and a culture of silence prevails. If you or someone you know h...
Jul 14, 2020•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast After the glory of winning gold in Atlanta, the U.S. National Team slips on the world stage, finishing last in the finals at the 1999 World Championships. With the next Olympics less than a year away, USA Gymnastics turns to the one person they think can save the team: Bela Karolyi. Bela finally has what he’s always wanted, control over a semi-centralized training system in the United States. But on such a tight schedule, will the, “You can do it!” motivator-in-chief be able to lead a team to vi...
Jul 14, 2020•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pulled back onto the world gymnastics stage by the precocious talent of their newest protege, Dominique Moceanu, Bela and Martha are all in on winning gold at the Atlanta Games. But when Dominique falls on vault, everything rides on the shoulders of Bela’s long-overshadowed veteran, Kerri Strug, to bring home the gold. If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual assault or abuse, and you would like more information or support, these hotlines can help: RAINN's 24/7 confidential nation...
Jul 14, 2020•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Growing his image as the most well-known coach in gymnastics, Bela builds his brand and aims for more gold medals with a new star athlete. But after his champion fails at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Bela announces he’s stepping away from elite-level gymnastics and retreats to his Ranch in Texas. But even after stepping out of the spotlight, Bela remains in focus, as accusations of abuse grow against the coach. If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual assault or abuse, and...
Jul 14, 2020•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast After defecting from Romania, the Karolyis begin to build their gymnastics empire in the U.S. But they need a champion. Enter Mary Lou Retton, the bubbly teenager whose perfect 10 at the 1984 Olympics will make her and her coach household names. Little girls across America want to be Mary Lou, and train with her famous coach. Bela has given the United States its first gold medal in women’s gymnastics. Now he needs to harness that success to advance his own cause. Learn more about your ad choices...
Jul 14, 2020•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the middle of the Cold War, Romanian gymnastics coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi turn Nadia Comaneci, a 14-year-old gymnast from a Communist country, into a global symbol of excellence at the 1976 Olympics when she scores the first perfect 10. But Romania becomes too small and too controlled for Bela’s ambitions, and the Karolyis set their sights on the freedom of the United States. If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual assault or abuse, and you would like more information or...
Jul 14, 2020•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast For 40 years, as athletes came and went, there was one constant presence in Olympic gymnastics: Bela and Martha Karolyi — the most successful coaches in the sport's history, and the most controversial. The Karolyis wielded unprecedented power and became more recognizable characters than many of their gymnasts. Generations of gymnasts trained at their isolated ranch outside of Houston, where the Karolyis were champion-making teachers to some and tormentors to others. In front of the cameras, Bela...
Jul 07, 2020•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast According to local legend, the Louisiana Superdome was always a haunted place. First plagued by construction problems, then years of bad luck for the host Saints team -- by 2005 those Saints were prepared to abandon the stadium in favor of a dreaded move to San Antonio. Then Hurricane Katrina hit, and somehow the dome became a symbol for a city's rebirth. This is the story of New Orleans, through the story of its dome. Produced and reported by Eve Abrams. Narrated by Tarriona "Tank" Ball of Tank...
Dec 02, 2019•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast During qualifying for the 1990 World Cup, Chile's national team felt that it needed to be "more bandits than the bandits." Driven by an intense desire to eliminate rival Brazil, goalkeeper Roberto Rojas pushed his team past the brink. Hosted by Jody Avirgan. Transcript and more about the Radio Ambulante version of this piece at 30for30podcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 26, 2019•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast World-class biathlete Kari Swenson was on an afternoon trail run in the mountains near Big Sky, Montana in July 1984 when two men blocked her path. Reported by ESPN's Bonnie Ford. Hosted by Jody Avirgan. | For more on the 1984 women's biathlon team, visit 30for30podcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 19, 2019•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast For legends Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, life in the WNBA paled in comparison to the lavish treatment they received in Russian professional basketball, courtesy of their team owner and benefactor, Shabtai Kalmanovich. Kalmanovich spoiled his stars, showering them with expensive gifts, luxury hotels, and private concerts -- but he was a man with a shadowy past. Eventually, the two stars would have to reckon with what they'd gotten themselves into. Reported by Keith Romer. Hosted by Jody Avirgan. M...
Nov 12, 2019•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast The new season of 30 for 30 Podcasts launches November 12th, with four new stories spanning four sports and three continents. The new episodes will tell a range of fascinating stories about kidnappings, scandal, natural disasters, hope, and recovery, and span the globe from Moscow to Montana, Chile to New Orleans. More at 30for30podcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 05, 2019•3 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Donald Sterling story comes to an end where it all started -- with a showdown in court. This time, though, it was Donald vs. Shelly. The Sterling Affairs is hosted by Ramona Shelburne. Produced by 30 for 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated in collaboration with Western Sound. More at 30for30podcasts.com/sterling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 20, 2019•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast When the explosive tape of Donald Sterling broke, it came at a moment when power in the NBA was changing. Players, owners, and a new commissioner were faced with a major test that would re-shape the league. The Sterling Affairs is hosted by Ramona Shelburne. Produced by 30 for 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated in collaboration with Western Sound. More at 30for30podcasts.com/sterling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 20, 2019•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald and Shelly Sterling escaped poverty, reinvented themselves, and became the biggest residential landlords in LA. But in housing and basketball, they never had to face the consequences of their actions. The Sterling Affairs is hosted by Ramona Shelburne. Produced by 30 for 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated in collaboration with Western Sound. More at 30for30podcasts.com/sterling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 20, 2019•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
