The AA staff talks Awfulies winners and we share our best AA Podcast clips from 2023

Host Brandon Contes interviews "Inside the NBA" host and co-host of "The Big Podcast with Shaq," Adam Lefkoe. Brandon and Adam discuss a wide range of topics including lots of talk about "Inside the NBA" and the crew, reporting that Doc Rivers was heading to the Milwaukee Bucks and the uneasiness throughout the night when that wasn't immediately confirmed, interviewing LeBron James after he broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career scoring record, 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.

-:55: Going viral
-1:37: Building an audience after going viral
-4:08: Building a career in sports media
-5:52: Starting in the midwest
-8:05: Syracuse grads entering sports media
-9:56: "Seinfeld"
-10:51: "SportsCenter" anchor?
-13:29: Jerry Seinfeld
-14:30: Being Shaquille O’Neal’s co-host
-18:35: Similarities between hosting podcast with Shaq and hosting "Inside the NBA"
-20:37: Reason why Shaq was late Tuesday night?
-22:29: Preparation changes when Shaq is late
-24:21: First season working for TNT
-29:28: Working in the bubble
-31:07: Benefits of having Shaq there for the Tuesday show
-33:19: Pressure of being compared to the Thursday “Inside the NBA” show?
-35:37: Camaraderie between both shows
-37:40: Ernie Johnson as an influence
-39:29: Getting to know Charles Barkley
-42:54: Will Charles retire?
-43:54: What makes the “Inside the NBA” group so special?
-46:56: Thinking of the future
-48:42: “Monday Night Football” “audition” with Pat McAfee
-51:31: Envisioning McAfee’s dominance in sports media
-52:33: Reporting the "Doc Rivers to Bucks" news
-56:53: Worry about pushback on report
-58:01: Hosting "NBA on TNT Tuesday" when LeBron James broke the career scoring record

Host Brandon Contes interviews head Apple MLS commentator Taylor Twellman. Brandon and Taylor discuss a wide range of topics including giving Tom Brady broadcasting advice, Lionel Messi in MLS, leaving ESPN for Apple, 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: Excitement for start of MLS season
-1:51: Transition from pitch to booth
-3:29: Not giving bulletin board material when playing
-5:41: Times Taylor gave bulletin board material
-6:55: Robert Kraft’s involvement with the New England Revolution
-8:27: Tom Brady
-9:33: Broadcasting advice for Brady
-11:17: Apple’s first season in MLS
-12:30: Issues or complaints from fans about MLS on Apple
-13:22: MLS embracing streaming
-15:41: Lionel Messi effect for MLS 
-17:01: Can one player make such an impact for MLS?
-18:26: MLS talent level compared to England
-20:01: Messi with the media
-20:53: Different feel when doing Messi’s matches
-21:46: Transition from ESPN to Apple
-23:41: Enjoying doing other shows like “SportsCenter” and “First Take”
-25:33: Complaints from viewers
-26:08: ESPN daytime programming not putting enough focus on soccer
-27:45: Is talent or management more reluctant to talk soccer?
-29:32: Talking soccer with Stephen A. Smith
-30:47: Twitter post on leaving ESPN
-32:20: “What are we doing?” clip
-35:14: Realistic the USMNT should’ve won a World Cup by now?
-36:54: What’s held the USMNT back from making the World Cup quarterfinals?
-38:41: Working the World Cup as a broadcaster
-40:05: United States hosting the World Cup
-41:14: Reservations about going to other countries to play
-42:47: Soccer industry handling concussions
-44:36: Movement to make changes happen during matches?
-46:12: Heading in youth sports
-47:02: Diagnosed concussions
-47:47: Effects from concussions
-49:12: Support from others when speaking about concussions
-51:08: MLS referee lockout and starting season with temporary refs 
-51:59: Inter Miami’s 2024 season
-53:19: Messi backlash from China after missing Hong Kong friendly
-54:07 MLS season starting in February
-55:46: MLS players not named Messi that people should know about

Host Brandon Contes interviews legendary Fox NASCAR play-by-play commentator Mike Joy. Brandon and Mike discuss a wide range of topics including interviewing being on the call for some of the best, and most tragic, moments in Daytona 500 history, what happens to the Daytona 500 if the Super Bowl is moved to Presidents' Day Weekend, Kevin Harvick joining the Fox booth, and more.

Tune in for the 66th running of the Daytona 500 Sunday, February 18 at 2:30 et on Fox.

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: Excitement for Mike’s 45th Daytona 500 compared to his first in 1977
-2:02: Getting into racing
-4:01: Getting discovered by Ken Squier
-5:39: Importance of 1979 Daytona 500
-8:26: Memories from broadcasting 1979 race on radio
-11:36: Calling Dale Earnhardt winning the 1998 Daytona 500
-13:31: Earnhardt’s demeanor at the Daytona 500 before and after winning 
-15:37: Calling the 2001 Daytona 500
-19:08: Balancing the emotions of the 2001 finish
-22:21: Kevin Harvick winning at Atlanta three weeks later
-24:03: Harvick in the broadcast booth
-26:11: Rotating panel of analysts vs having a permanent broadcast team
-27:21: How soon will Mike be able to tell who will be great in the booth or not?
-28:12: NFL possibly moving Super Bowl to Presidents' Day weekend
-30:31: State of NASCAR on TV
-33:43: Should NASCAR shorten races?
-36:21: Describing the start of the Daytona 500
-37:31: The unpredictability of the Daytona 500
-39:41: Winner that will bring big storylines
-41:06: Picking a winner?

Host Brandon Contes interviews host of "The Drive" on 610 AM in Kansas City, Carrington Harrison. Brandon and Carrington discuss a wide range of topics including interviewing Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift living in KC, Jason Whitlock in KC, watching The Decision with Nick Wright, 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: AA Podcast connections
-1:10: Confidence level in Kansas City entering Super Bowl LVIII
-2:18: Chiefs fandom
-4:04: Chiefs dynasty
-8:17: Broadcasting from Radio Row
-14:07: Interviewing Patrick Mahomes
-15:19: Mahomes as an interview
-16:50: Mahomes Super Bowl interview?
-17:27: How do the Chiefs handle the media? 
-19:27: Travis Kelce
-22:53: Taylor Swift living in Kansas City
-25:17: Have Chiefs fans accepted Swift as one of their own?
-27:21: How will Chiefs fans react if Swift isn’t at the Super Bowl?
-28:57: Pat McAfee shoutout
-30:39: Being a journalist
-33:31: Tyreek Hill audio
-39:29: Jason Whitlock in KC
-42:20: Interviewing Whitlock
-43:51: Nick Wright
-46:36: Is the national stage appealing?
-49:31: Wright as a mentor
-50:21: Wright as the LeBron guy
-51:05: Has Wright ever lost a debate?
-51:36: Andy Reid’s popularity
-53:45: Is Reid retiring?

Host Brandon Contes interviews NFL Network's Rich Eisen. Brandon and Rich discuss Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan, Aaron Rodgers playing for the New York Jets and appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," being Stuart Scott's friend, doing play-by-play for NFL Network, 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.

-:34: Winning the “Awfulie” for Best Sports Radio Personality
-6:00: Michigan Wolverines and the sign stealing scandal
-12:09: Does Rich get bothered when he’s asked about Michigan’s sign stealing?
-12:55: Connor Stalions
-14:02: Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan
-16:39: New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers
-18:42: Where will a Jets Super Bowl rank in Rich’s life?
-21:19: Thoughts on Rodgers during the NFL season
-23:26: Rodgers on Pat McAfee
-26:13: How Rich would interview Rodgers
-31:01: Should Jets advise Rodgers to not go on McAfee?
-33:05: Does McAfee’s audience match ESPN’s audience?
-34:54: Robert Saleh and Joe Beningo
-38:32: NFL playoff game on Peacock
-42:23: Could Super Bowl be someday behind a paywall?
-43:16: NFL equity stake in ESPN
-46:35: Competing for eyeballs in conjunction with ESPN
-48:03: Feelings it’s been over 20 years since Rich was at ESPN
-50:04: Chemistry with Stuart Scott
-51:49: Remembering Stuart
-54:20: What would Stuart be doing today?
-56:17: “The Rich Eisen Show”
-1:02:31: Hosting style
-1:05:42: Doing play-by-play
-1:11:03: Is there any difficulty going back and forth from radio host to play-by-play commentator?

Host Brandon Contes interviews CBS NFL sideline reporter Evan Washburn. Brandon and Evan discuss working the Super Bowl, interviewing the teams who lose big games, Charissa Thompson's sideline reporting admission, and more.

Evan will be on the sideline for the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on Sunday 3:00 PM ET on CBS. Evan will also work Super Bowl LVIII, taking place February 11 on CBS and Nickelodeon.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:48: Being in hometown Baltimore for AFC Championship Game
-1:39: Pre-Ravens fandom
-2:37: What is Super Bowl week like?
-4:24: Not staying for the Super Bowl when CBS doesn’t have the game
-4:55: Working first Super Bowl
-6:47: Freezing up/funny moments on a broadcast
-7:49: Working with Ian Eagle and Charles Davis
-9:02: College basketball work
-9:37: Following college basketball during NFL season
-10:40: Getting into broadcasting
-12:43: Being in college
-16:41: Media interests
-19:56: More difficult to be accepted by coaches/players or broadcasting peers?
-22:15: Working with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo
-23:41: Challenges of joining the “A” crew late in the season
-25:22: Tony Romo’s preparation
-26:57: Wanting the chance to interview Taylor Swift?
-28:04: Toughest interview?
-32:00: “Competing” against the interview subject to get good answers?
-33:15: Charissa Thompson
-35:14: Did Thompson’s admission give sideline reporting a bad rap?
-36:49: Fighting through crowds for interviews at the Super Bowl
-38:56: Halftime interviews at the Super Bowl
-39:41: Evan’s wife going into labor while Evan was meeting with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady
-45:00: Info from pre-production meetings that Evan actually uses on the broadcast?
-48:42: Knowing what info to use in advance 
-51:28: The art of making the most of your limited time in sideline interviews
-53:26: Not wearing a hat on camera

Host Brandon Contes interviews "Undisputed" host and host of the "All Facts No Brakes" podcast Keyshawn Johnson. Brandon and Keyshawn discuss Keyshawn's new podcast, working with Skip Bayless, having conversations instead of debates, 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: Being on “Undisputed”
-1:06: Interest in sports media while playing
-2:14: Listening to sports talk radio while playing in New York
-3:11: Keyshawn’s new “All Facts No Brakes” podcast
-5:50: Keyshawn’s son taking part in the podcast
-6:33: Appeal of podcasting
-7:31: Active players in media
-8:31: Is an active player in media a distraction?
-9:25: Aaron Rodgers on “The Pat McAfee Show”
-10:16: Rodgers playing well after healing Achilles
-10:40: Working with Skip Bayless
-12:06: Rooting against the Cowboys because of Skip?
-12:38: Compelled to bring balance when Skip and Michael are big Cowboys fans?
-14:31: Having “conversations” with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith instead of debating
-16:12: Does Skip see this as a conversation?
-17:37: Respecting Skip’s and Stephen A’s football opinions when they didn’t professionally play football
-20:34: Has Skip “won” any conversations against Keyshawn?
-21:05: Is Keyshawn in competition with “First Take?”
-22:31: Being let go by ESPN
-23:42: Doing morning radio
-25:57: Working with Max Kellerman
-26:52: Replacing Mike Golic and Shannon Sharpe at different times
-27:33: Does Jon Gruden deserve another chance at NFL coaching?
-29:02: Tom Brady
-30:41: Tony Romo
-32:14: Mike McCarthy as Cowboys coach in 2024?
-32:37: Where will Bill Belichick go in 2024?

Host Brandon Contes interviews former ESPN host and current writer for The Atlantic, Jemele Hill. Brandon and Jemele have an in-depth discussion about the Pat McAfee/Aaron Rodgers saga. From Rodgers insinuating Jimmy Kimmel was in the Jeffrey Epstein files to McAfee accusing ESPN exec Norby Williamson of trying to sabotage "The Pat McAfee Show." We also talk about "SC6," Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless, 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.

-:56: Feelings toward ESPN about Pat McAfee/Aaron Rodgers/Norby Williamson/Jimmy Kimmel situation
-2:14: Internal conversations at ESPN regarding Rodgers
-4:54: Should ESPN talent be treated equally?
-6:39: Is McAfee giving other ESPN people the invitation to be controversial on the air?
-8:29: How does “The Pat McAfee Show” fit at ESPN?
-10:02: Where does McAfee rank in ESPN’s hierarchy?
-11:46: McAfee having leverage at ESPN
-13:54: Pat McAfee and Norby Williamson
-15:25: McAfee’s comments on Williamson
-18:25: Value of an exec to potentially not stop the sabotaging of a show on their network
-20:40: Calling out an exec on the air
-22:03: Should McAfee take on a more journalistic approach?
-25:35: What will ESPN do in regard to Aaron Rodgers?
-28:06: Would Jemele file a lawsuit if she was Kimmel?
-29:04: Who holds more power at Disney? Kimmel or McAfee?
-29:57: Has ESPN quietly removed the “stick to sports” mandate?
-31:55: Expectation of what the audience should get from an ESPN show 
-34:18: Is there an interviewer who could challenge Rodgers?
-35:45: Aaron Rodgers’ legacy
-39:37: Is this controversial attention beneficial for “The Pat McAfee Show?”
-40:47: Does ESPN view this as beneficial?
-41:48: Did Jemele wish she had this kind of freedom at ESPN?
-44:27: Value of traditional journalism at ESPN
-46:16: “SC6” as a personality driven show
-52:41: Trying to push back on the narratives
-56:10: Was “SC6” hurt by the SportsCenter brand or the 6:00 time slot?
-57:43: The Donald Trump tweet
-1:00:32: Any regrets to posting that?
-1:02:21: Potentially being Skip Bayless’ debate partner on “First Take”
-1:04:31: Working with Bayless
-1:05:25: “First Take” debating style
-1:07:36: Stephen A. Smith’s and Skip Bayless’ role and influence in sports and cable news debate

Host Brandon Contes interviews WFAN VP of Programming and host of the "Rights to Ricky Sanchez" podcast Spike Eskin. Brandon and Spike discuss a wide range of topics including what happened with Carl Banks and how things are going, paid interviews, not liking JJ Redick, 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.

-:41: Are people complaining more about WFAN or the 76ers?
-1:41: Receiving feedback
-2:55: Has WFAN gone into the toilet?
-6:46: “Evan and Tiki”
-8:06: How long does it take for Spike to give a show time to develop?
-9:51: Shaun Morash
-14:09: Benefits of being the third person on a two-person radio show
-15:18: Awareness of the attention WFAN gets in the media
-19:27: Carl Banks situation
-21:37: Surprise that Banks said he wasn’t coming back on?
-24:40: Was Banks’ segments entertaining?
-26:04: Banks’ reluctance to be critical on the show
-28:05: Gregg Giannotti defending Sal Licata
-29:10: Value of weekly paid interviews with players and coaches
-31:57: Aaron Rodgers being paid for being on Pat McAfee?
-34:26: Rodgers in NYC sports talk radio scene
-35:43: Does Spike listen to shows not on WFAN or CBS Sports Radio?
-36:48: Most talented sports radio/podcast host?
-39:30: Stugotz at WFAN?
-40:28: Mike Francesa part-time at WFAN?
-43:16: Having the task of replacing Craig Carton
-47:12: Role in replacing Angelo Cataldi
-48:13: Reaching out to people to replace Carton
-50:18: Thoughts on potentially replacing Boomer Esiason
-51:52: The appeal of local sports radio for retired athletes and coaches
-53:50: ESPN New York
-54:59: Podcasting
-56:43: JJ Redick
-58:00: Growing up as a Knicks fan
-59:43: Joe Beningo revealing texts with Robert Saleh

It's a special episode of the Awful Announcing Podcast. The first half of our show has host Brandon Contes sitting down with fellow members of the Awful Announcing staff. Ben Koo, Andrew Bucholtz, and Sean Keeley discuss the winners from the 2023 Awfulies, including Pat McAfee winning Sports Media Person of the Year, Stephen A. Smith winning Best Sports Debate Personality, and Greg Olsen winning Game Analyst of the Year.

Afterward, we put together a collection of clips from our first 30 episodes in 2023. We thank you for listening/viewing the podcast, and have a happy holiday season.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-1:04: Pat McAfee as Sports Media Person of the Year
-8:55: Kevin Brown suspended from Orioles as Top Sports Media Story
-16:57: Greg Olsen as Game Analyst of the Year
-26:46: Stephen A. Smith as Best Sports Debate Personality, First Take as Best Sports Debate Show, and Skip Bayless as Worst Sports Debate Personality
-38:01: Disney selling ABC as Most Overblown Sports Media Story
-39:33: College football changes in 2024
-41:07: Ted Lasso as Best Scripted Sports TV Show

-43:39: Bomani Jones on Stephen A. Smith entering politics (Episode 1)
-45:31: Mark Schlereth on the softness of today’s NBA (Episode 6)
-47:13: Brian Windhorst on covering LeBron James (Episode 7)
-54:03: Craig Carton on getting the opportunity to return to WFAN (Episode 16)
-55:12: Chris Myers on interviewing O.J. Simpson (Episode 18)
-59:27: Pablo Torre on confronting Dan LeBatard about interviewing Donald Trump (Episode 20)
-1:05:23: Michelle Beadle on LeBron James and Rachel Nichols’ roles in getting Michelle replaced on “NBA Countdown” (Episode 21)
-1:10:45: Trey Wingo on working “SportsCenter” with Bob Ley on 9/11 (Episode 23)
-1:15:45: Jay Crawford on Jalen Rose being banned from “First Take” (Episode 24)
-1:22:20: Dan Patrick on anchoring “SportsCenter” with Keith Olbermann (Episode 26)
-1:28:50: Jason Benetti on working with Bill Walton (Episode 29)