Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh discuss the ACC Tournament and the storied college basketball rivalry between UNC, Duke, and NC State. While once-mighty UNC and NC State navigate challenging seasons, Duke looks poised for a title run with Cooper Flagg at the helm. Later, sports writer Neil Paine joins the show to discuss NHL trade deadline drama, and to reflect on the closure of the data-driven news site FiveThirtyEight. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate ...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh dive into the inclusion and implications of robotic officiating in the NFL and MLB. They also discuss the retirement of basketball all-time great, Diana Taurasi. Finally, they talk about a right-wing proposal for a steroid-fueled sports league. For Afterballs, Alex remembers the careers of Czech hockey superstar Jaromir Jagr as well as the beloved voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Lange, who died last month. On the bonus episode availabl...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh speak to the Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan about the trial of former Spanish women’s soccer chief Luis Rubiales, who was found guilty of sexually assaulting World Cup star Jenni Hermoso. The trial not only condemned the Spanish Football Federation, but also spotlighted a deeper issue of misogyny in Spain. The panel also revisits the 4 Nations Face-Off and the political tensions that boiled over during the hockey tournament. Finally, they discuss...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh talk about the 4 Nations Face-off which kicked off with intense brawls and continued with high-stakes, best-on-best action. The panel also breaks down the NBA’s lackluster All-Star Weekend and wraps up with the latest moves in WNBA free agency. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel takes a look at JuJu Watkins and the current stars of college basketball. 4 Nations (1:53): Canada vs. U.S.A. vs. Finland vs...
Feb 19, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh examine how the world-beating Chiefs ran into the brick wall that was the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl. They also speak to journalist and author Julie Kliegman about the Trump administration’s recent executive order aiming to ban trans women from sports. Plus, the panel examines the growing movement across sports to shorten game times. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel dives into potential b...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh look at the trade heard round the world that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The panel also discusses the sexual misconduct allegations against Ravens’ kicker Justin Tucker, as well as the sports betting scandal in the NBA that now involves Terry Rozier. In the Afterball, Lindsay breaks down the NFL Pro Bowl games played this past weekend. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts dive into the U...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh discuss the Bills' astonishing proclivity to lose to the Chiefs, plus how the Eagles steamrolled the Commanders. The panel also chats about Madison Keys’ shocking victory at the Australian Open. Finally, they get into the Philadelphia 76ers’ disastrous season, and Alex has an Afterball about Arkadag F.C., and the (disputable) win streak of the soccer club from Turkmenistan. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, th...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs examine college football’s first twelve-team playoff and how Ohio State won it all. The panel then talks about the NFL playoffs with Jayden Daniels’ continued rise and Lamar Jackson’s sad defeat. They also chat about Roki Sasaki’s decision to join the Dodgers, plus an Afterball from Ben on goalie goals! On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts discuss the Biden administration's last-minute guidance on reven...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast From the Steelers' predictable collapse to the Commanders’ doink-fueled victory in Tampa, hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs get into the NFL’s Wild Card weekend. They also talk about college football and the looming Ohio State-Notre Dame championship. Plus the arrival of the all-new, indoor, digital Tomorrow’s Golf League. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic winning pace. NFL Wild Cards (2:1...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs talk about Premier League Soccer and how sputtering performances could leave Manchester City and Manchester United out of Champions League contention. The hosts also get into the college football playoffs and the coming NFL postseason. For Afterballs: Ben recounts a history of alternative settings for specialty ‘classic’ sports games. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts discuss the high turnover rate o...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs close out 2024 Hang Up and Listen-style. They dig into the War for Christmas being waged between the NFL and NBA. Then they look at Alex Ovechkin’s attempts to break Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals record. Next they discuss the rise of the alt-cast and what that means for broadcasting games. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts share the underrated sports stories of 2024 as well as what everyone should be wat...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs talk about the death of a legend: Rickey Henderson. Then, they dig into the end of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament and the sport’s growth. The panel also discusses the shenanigans taking place as Tampa Bay-area authorities consider building a new ballpark. Finally, Alex delivers an Afterball on the first round of the College Football Playoff and explains why most games suck, actually. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slat...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs talk about Bill Belichick and how one of the winningest NFL coaches of all time transitions to college football as UNC’s head coach. The panel also discusses the NBA Cup and the recent Bills-Lions slugfest. Finally Ben delivers an Afterball on Catfish Hunter and the history of deferred salary payments across sports. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts talk about this year’s Heisman Trophy winner Travis...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs discuss Juan Soto’s earth-shatteringly large contract with the New York Mets. They also talk about Lewis Hamilton’s last ride for Mercedes before he moves to team Ferrari, and Igor Shesterkin’s unprecedented new deal with the New York Rangers. For Afterballs, Alex breaks down some of the controversy within college football’s first 12-team playoff. On the bonus episode, available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts discuss expansion ...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs discuss Iga Swiatek’s and Janik Sinner's doping allegations and the huge implications for international tennis. They also get into this past weekend’s college football chaos and Saquon Barkley and Derek Henry’s running back revival. For Afterballs, Lindsay Gibbs examines the tragic passing of Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. after a recent head injury. On the bonus episode, available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts tal...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh chat about Rafael Nadal’s legacy as one of the all-time tennis greats. They also discuss the NWSL championship which Lindsay attended, the last days of ESPN’s Around the Horn. This week’s Afterball is from Ben, in which he compares the terms of sports commissioners and Supreme Court justices. On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus subscribers, the panel breaks down the new women’s basketball league, Unrivaled. Nadal (3:02):...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs discuss the 4-hour Jake Paul and Mike Tyson boxing circus. They also talk about changes in regional sports networks, the next chapter in the Chiefs-Bills rivalry, plus an Afterball from Alex on the Winnipeg Jets. On the Bonus episode, available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel gets into the NBA’s continued love of three-pointers. Paul vs. Tyson (2:54): How the main event duped so many viewers. FanDuel takes on RSNs (25:18): How s...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, and Ben Lindbergh are joined by Matt Brown of Extra Points for a discussion of how unified Republican control of the government could allow the NCAA to roll back college athletes’ newly won empowerment. They also talk about the NFL’s international aspirations, possible MLB off-season moves, plus a baseball-crosswords Afterballs. On the Bonus episode, available exclusively for Slate Plus members, Ben and Alex chat about MLS and Lionel Messi’s first playoffs. Trump and the NCA...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh talk about the dominant Dodgers, why NCAA coaches are hiring lobbyists, election gambling, and the return of Afterballs! On the Bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts get into esports, and gaming star FAKER's fifth League of Legends World Championship. World Series (4:47): The Dodgers were good. The Yankees were bad. Olympic Sports (19:23): a group of collegiate Olympic sports coaching associations hired lobbying firm FGS...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh examine the notable silence from major sports stars on this year’s presidential election. They also discuss Michael Jordan's legal battle against NASCAR, plus the first week of the NBA regular season. In the Bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus subscribers, the panel reflects on the life and legacy of Fernando Valenzuela and his impact on the Dodgers. A lack of political endorsements (2:48): LeBron remains quiet with one week remaining un...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh talk about the New York Liberty’s victory over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals. They also get into Tom Brady’s controversial new ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, and the World Series picture. In the Bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus subscribers, the panel discusses University of Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett’s retirement announcement. WNBA Finals (10:02): The Liberty bring home the glory Tom Brady (32:38): The b...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh discuss Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson and his historically bad start, the sports-wide expansion of playoff seasons, and the latest on the MLB postseason. On the Bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts talk about Jessica Campbell, the first woman to coach in the NHL. Deshaun Watson (3:22): The very bad Browns QB Playoff Expansion (23:14): Regular and postseasons continue to grow longer MLB (39:17): Baseball is fun again? (No...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Split Zone Duo’s Alex Kirshner, Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs, and the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh chat about the NFL Players Association’s calls to revoke media access to locker rooms, the controversy surrounding a transgender volleyball player at San Jose State, and the wild week in college football. On the Bonus episode, exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts discuss Pete Rose’s historic and sordid legacy. NFL Locker Rooms (2:35): Media access vs. player privacy San Jose State Volleyball (23:5...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Split Zone Duo’s Alex Kirshner, Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs, and the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh get into playoff talk, first MLB and then the WNBA. Later, they talk about the seemingly impossible task of filling Nick Saban’s shoes at Alabama. On the bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus members, they discuss the White Sox's historic implosion. MLB (2:48): Which playoff team should Lindsay root for? WNBA (21:16): Dijonai Carrington and the start of the playoffs CFB (42:22): Kalen DeBoer keeps the T...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Split Zone Duo’s Alex Kirshner, Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs, and the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh discuss Shohei’s record-breaking season, Adrian Wojnarowski’s retirement, and the waning passing abilities of NFL quarterbacks. In the bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts examine whether the SAFE Bet Act could actually rein in sports betting. Woj (3:09): What comes next for sports scoop culture in a post-Woj world? Ohtani (24:43): The first man to reach the 50/50 club. NFL (42:57): ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Split Zone Duo’s Alex Kirshner, Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs, and the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh reunite to talk about the U.S. women’s first victory at the Solheim Cup in eight years. They also discuss the Oakland Athletics’ move to Sacramento, and Tua Tagovailoa’s latest frightening concussion. On the bonus episode, Slate Plus members can hear chat about A’ja Wilson’s historic WNBA season. LPGA (2:12): The U.S. beats Europe at the Solheim Cup. Oakland A’s (28:07): The Athletics are on to Sacramento,...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Slate contributing writer and co-host of the podcast Split Zone Duo, Alex Kirshner is back in the host chair this week. Joining Alex is the founder of the Power Plays newsletter, Lindsay Gibbs, and Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald. The panel comb through NFL Week 1, the American near victories at the US Open, and Angel Reese’s season-ending injury. In the Bonus episode, Slate Plus members can hear a discussion about Deion Sanders' disappointing Buffaloes. NFL (3:13): The big budgets and big gamble...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Slate contributing writer and co-host of the podcast Split Zone Duo, Alex Kirshner hosts this week’s Hang Up and Listen. Alex is joined by The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh and founder of the Power Plays newsletter, Lindsay Gibbs for a discussion of private equity in the NFL and college football. Later, they break down the National Women’s Soccer League and the NWSL Players Association's new collective bargaining agreement. Plus, Joey Votto’s retirement and the decline of power players at first base in...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin reflect on hosting Slate’s sports podcast, which debuted in July 2009. Retrospective (6:51): How the show attempted to be an antidote to traditional sports talk radio. Old Afterballs (30:55): Josh on a 1934 battle between a scorpion and a spider. Stefan with an update to “Proud to Be an Astro” from Ball Four. New Afterballs (51:17): Josh on listener comments after the first episode of Hang Up and Listen. Stefan on a decade and a half of Afterballs. (Note: time codes ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the Dream Team’s close calls on the road to gold, and the U.S. women’s basketball team’s narrow victory, too. They break down the quick overhaul of the U.S. women’s soccer team, which won its first gold medal since 2012. Finally, they assess whether the visually beautiful and athletically compelling Paris Games restored the Olympics’ luster. Basketball (4:12): The U.S. men and women survived gold-medal scares from host France. Soccer (19:25): The new-look U.S...
Aug 12, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
