Steve interviews Chad Bishop (00:25:34) from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Chad a few weeks into his rookie season as a Atlanta Braves beat-writer and is making his Sports-Casters debut. Chad and discuss a good start for the Braves, the incredible bullpen, and quality starting pitching. Chad also looks at a blazing start for Drake Baldwin, the struggles of Austin Riley, and the consistency of Matt Olson. Chad also talks about Braves Vision, working on a baseball beat, and predicts the Braves win total. First things First kicks us off with the Buffalo Sabres ending their playoff drought, the fallout from Italy failing the make the World Cup and a strong start for the Atlanta Braves. The show ends with One Last Thing about Steve preparing to travel to Florida to visit with his brother, Anthony. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

For the second time in podcast history, this episode doesn't have a guest. Steve returns alone to do the hardest podcast he has ever had to do. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. What went wrong? Who is to blame? Now what? Steve tries to answer all of these questions, tells us why he's more sad than mad, and explains why he still believes in the blue shirt. There are tons of emotions here. Be gentle. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Mike Vaccaro (00:25:31) the author of a new book about Yankees ownership called, Bosses of the Bronx. Mike is making his debut on the show and talks about writing a book with more modern subjects as opposed to those in his book about the 1912 World Series. Mike and Steve go back and forth about Joe DIMaggio, Aaron Judge, classic Yankee Stadium moments, and David Justice's home run in the 2000 ALCS. Mike also recalls Jeter's flip-play from his spot in the Oakland press box, discusses George Steinbrenner in pop-culture, and debates the Yankee Mount Rushmore. First things First covers Italy's big game against Northern Ireland, the already injured 2026 Braves, and the incredible Buffalo Sabres. The show ends with One Last Thing and bit more on Italy's playoff game (s) and what it will mean to qualify. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jimmy Traina (00:22:47) from the SI Sports Media Podcast and author of the Traina Thoughts column. Jimmy and Steve talk about booking podcast guests, the crowded sports media space, and the future of podcasts. The guys talk about the Howard Stern Show, podcasts on Netflix, and streaming apps. Also, the origins of Jimmy's weekly segment with Sal Licata, their unique chemistry, and trying to do the segment when Sal isn't there. First things First covers the surging Sabres and their failed attempt to acquire a Price Is Right game, the Braves nightmare spring, and rumors about who is getting the call from the Italian National team for the playoff in three weeks. The show ends with One Last Thing about Paula and Tammy going to Disney World while Steve stays home. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Adrian Dater (00:29:30) the long time Colorado Avalanche beat writer and former co-host of The Lonely End of the Rink podcast. Steve and Adrian go into great detail about the gold medal game between the USA and Canada. Adrian has insight on Nate MacKinnon and his 3-on-3 woes, voting for MVP awards, and the roster construction of USA and Canada. The guys discuss Connor McDavid's legacy, Kenny Albert, and whose stock is up and who is down after the tournament. Adrian ends with the story of how his father's incredible footage of the 1980 miracle ended up in the new Netflix documentary. Steve is joined by Paula for First things First and they start by talking about their Sunday morning together watching Team USA win Olympic gold.. Steve and Paula go over watching the women beat Canada in OT, Quinn Hughes beating Sweden, and Jack Hughes ending the 46 year gold medal drought. After Paula leaves to get ready for dance, Steve talks more about the hockey, Italian football's bad week in the Champions League, and the 2026 Braves already having 2 key injuries. The show ends with One Last Thing about the death of the network sitcom. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Greg Wyshynski (00:22:40) senior NHL writer for ESPN. Greg first appeared on the second ever episode of the podcast and is back on the third episode of our 15th year. Greg and Steve talk about sports media in 2011 and the deep bench at Yahoo! Sports. Greg and Steve analyze the USA roster for the Olympics and talk for a minute about the new documentary on Netflix about the 1980 team. Next, the red hot Buffalo Sabres are debated. Do they have enough to break the playoff drought? Where does Lindy Ruff rank all-time as a Sabres figure? Is the Sabres high shooting percentage a cause for concern? Also, Lane Hutson, Dan Wetzel, and Marek vs. Wyshynski. Steve starts the show with First things First and starts in Italy with an injury to Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Also, Tyler Shough wins a prestigious award, Josh Norris is a problem, and Mike Tirico's big February. The show ends with One Last Thing about Steve's new friend, Tim. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Aaron Schatz (00:26:28) from FTNFantasy to discuss the NFL's Championship Games and the upcoming Super Bowl. Steve and Aaron discuss some of the decisions made by coaches during the NFL Playoffs. What does "analytics" really mean? When should you kick? Is, "take the points," making a comeback? Also, who will win the Super Bowl? Why? Should Bill Belichick be a first ballot Hall of Famer? Last, how did Tyler Shough rank among qualifying QBs? Should the Saints be optimistic? Was Kelvin Banks Jr. the best rookie tackle in the league? Steve starts the show with First things First and goes on a long rant about the Buffalo Sabres and their return to the top of the NHL standings. Also, Napoli fail in Europe, Vergara emerges for club and country, and Italy's World Cup fate will be sealed in 55 days. The show ends with One Last Thing about the reaction to the 15-year podcast. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jeff Passan (00:10:55) to start the celebration just as Jeff appeared first on the debut episode of the podcast. Steve and Jeff listen back to Jeff's introduction on the first podcast and Steve's first ever question. The guys reminisce on their experiences together the last 15 years, discuss a great offseason by the Atlanta Braves, and look ahead to the 2026 MLB season. Also, Joe Buck (00:35:13) returns to the podcast just ahead of being inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. Steve and Joe talk about what it will be like for Joe to take his place next to his father at Cooperstown and discuss his rise with Tim McCarver and how the friction Tim had with his dad complicated it. Steve and Joe discuss the rise of Indiana football, the scarcity of his voice and how that has improved his reputation, and Joe's contribution to the podcast over the years. Finally, Bob Costas (01:37:00) returns to the podcast for another round of 9 in 90. Quickly, Steve and Bob discuss a test game that Bob did with John Madden, and get Bob's perspective on podcasts and podcasting. Last, Steve and Bob play 9 in 90 with questions about Joe DiMaggio, stand-up comedy, and the the sports moment that Bob most wishes he called. Steve starts the show with First Things First and quickly gives the origin story of the show before shifting to the guests. Also on the program, the five most important books in book club history, and a brief recap of Steve's side projects. The show ends with a cameo from Paula Bennett and one last thing reflecting in 15 years of The Sports-Casters. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

For the first time in podcast history, this episode doesn't have a guest. Steve had a stack of topics burning a hole in his pocket quicker than $25 in a 10- year old's pocket after Christmas. Steve releases the first mini-episode ever to talk about the New Orleans Saints winning 4 in a row and the Buffalo Sabres winning 8 in a row. Steve also talks about the emergence of Tyler Shough, the World Jr. Championship, and the NFL playoffs. Steve goes on about the Saints core four, splits the Sabres into two separate groups of four, and breaks down the current NFL playoff matchups. OLT is about hosting Christmas dinner, being healthy, and looking ahead to 2026 and the 15th year of The Sports-Casters podcast. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jon Wertheim (00:24:10) from Sports Illustrated and 60 Minutes returns to the show for the first time in three years. Mr Wertheim returns to discuss making pieces for 60 Minutes, profiling Lamine Yamal, and working on stories that don't involve sports. Jon also talks about Sports Illustrated's biggest comeback, covering tennis, and doing a podcast with Andy Roddick. Jon and Steve agree Jannik SInner is the greatest to ever pick up a racket, discuss an underrated idea for a sports book, and look ahead to what 2026 might bring Jon and his career. Steve starts the show with First things First and immediately gushes about Tyler Shough. Also, Kevyn Adams is fired, the Atlanta Braves are having an incredible offseason, and podcasts are going to be on Netflix.. The show ends with one last thing all about season 15. Steve looks back on the biggest guests, the debuts, the best books, and looks ahead on the upcoming fifteenth year of The Sports-Casters. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Andrew Bucholtz (00:28:17) who returns to the podcast for the first time in years as the proud owner of AndrewBucholtz.com. Andrew joins us to discuss his new venture and to talk about his project for Awful Announcing that ranks the best broadcaster booths in a variety of categories. Andrew and I discuss the best NFL booths, how scarcity of voice can make games feel bigger, and various other sports media topics. Steve starts the show with First things First and immediately gushes about Tyler Shough. Also, some complaining about the Buffalo Sabres, discussing the start of the Atlanta Braves offseason, and looking ahead to Italy's group if they make the World Cup. The show ends with one last thing about getting a new pair of jeans. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]