Edge of Sports
Edge of Sports is a podcast where sports and politics collide, hosted by Dave Zirin, the Sports Editor for The Nation magazine. Each episode features interviews and commentary on the intersection of athletics and social issues, from racial justice to labor rights. The show provides a critical perspective on how sports reflect and influence broader societal dynamics.
Episodes
At Long Last, the Knicks Make History
This week, we speak to hoops savant Arya Shirazi about the New York Knicks’ first championship in 53 years. We break down how the Knicks answered the call and we also ask the question: is this in fact the greatest New York sports moment… ever Zirin, Raucous Protest Is Coming to the Joyless World Cuphttps://www.thenation.com/article/activism/protest-joyless-world-cup/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast
How Racism Shadows the 250th with Eddie Glaude... and The Knicks!
This week, we speak to the great bestselling author Dr. Eddie Glaude about his new book America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries.” We also speak to Hoops Savant Arya Shirazi about the Knicks-Spurs NBA finals. From Brunson to Wemby, truly hoops nirvana. Zirin, Soccer’s Shadow and Sunlight: the Fascist History of the World Cup and 20 Years of Soccer Without Bordershttps://www
Soccer’s Shadow And Sunlight: the fascist history of the World Cup and 20 years of soccer without borders
This week, we talk to Karim Zidan from Sports Politika about his new podcast, Power Plays, which delves into the relationship between authoritarian governments and FIFA’s World Cup. We also talk to Ben Gucciardi on the 20th anniversary of the incredible immigrant and refugee rights children’s organization Soccer Without BordersZirin, Dr. Harry Edwards on the NAACP’s Call to Boycott Gerrymandering
The NBA Lottery, Those Nova Knicks, and Movies We Love to Hate
This week, we talk to hoops and cinema savant Arya Shirazi about the world of pro basketball and movies the world loves that we could do without. Zirin, WNBA Players Should Have Picketed, Not Attended, the Met Galahttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/wnba-met-gala/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports
How De La Soul Changed Hip Hop And Changed The World
This week, we talk to Professor Austin McCoy about his incredible new book, Living in a D.A.I.S.Y. Age, which explores the seminal rap trio De La Soul. We talk about the group, its records from Three Feet High and Rising to their most recent release last November. We talk about the enduring importance of jazz in hip-hop, and a lot more!Zirin, May Day and the Reclamation of the Jewish Radical Tradi
How Unionization Can Solve the Crisis in College Football
Body: This week, we speak to College Football Players Association founder Jason Stahl about how to compensate college athletes in a manner that makes sense. Zirin, Protesting the World Cup (and a Cinematic Easter Egg)https://www.thenation.com/podcast/society/eos-04062026/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofspor
Protesting The World Cup (And A Cinematic Easter Egg)
This week, we speak to Ajamu Baraka of the Black Alliance for Peace and Daniel Loroña of Amnesty International about why they are organizing against the 2026 World Cup's presence in the United States. And then, just in time for Easter, a cinematic Easter egg as film savant Arya Shirazi and I talk about two forgotten films of our youth. Zirin, Tiger Woods Plus Donald Trump: A Tragedy Made in th
Emergency Pod: IOC Ruling on Trans Athletes
Body: We speak to Harrison Browne, the first transgender professional hockey player and co-author of the book Let Us Play, about the International Olympic Committee’s total ban on non- gender conforming athletes Zirin, 2 FIFA Rulings on Israel, 1 Familiar Deference to MAGAhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/fifa-israel-rulings-complicity-world-cup/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http
The WNBA Union Scores a Win and Iftar with Mayor Mamdani
Maya Goldberg-Safir joins the show to talk about the new WNBA deal, and we talk about spending Iftar in NYC with Mayor Mamdani and Mohamed Diawara.Body: This week, we speak to Maya Goldberg-Safir, who runs the blog Rough Notes about the WNBA labor deal. Also, we have Choice Words about spending Iftar with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Mohamad Diawara of the Knicks.Zirin, Iftar With the Knick and the Ma
In Conversation: The Battle of Algiers and Gung Ho
2026 marks the 60th anniversary of Gilles Pontecorvo’s classic film “The Battle of Algiers” and the 40th anniversary of Ron Howard’s flop Gung Ho. Yet both films aim to tell a story about capitalism, the working class and what comprises resistance in a certain time and place. I’m joined by film savant Arya Shirazi in breaking down these two films Zirin, The Bombing of Iran’s Azadi Stadium Is Strai
How Rev. Jesse Jackson Understood Sports & a Winter Olympics Round-up
This week, we speak with author Bijan Bayne about the late Rev. Jesse Jackson's relationship with the sports world. We also speak to sports journalist Frankie de la Cretaz about the off-field dramas surrounding the 2026 Winter OlympicsZirin, The NFL Owners and Olympic Organizers in Epstein’s Inboxhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/nfl-owners-casey-wasserman-epstein-files/—http://www.edg
The Sports Owners In Epstein's Inbox and the NBA At The All-Star Break
This week, I have some choice words about the athletic oligarchs who knew Epstein way too well. I am also joined by the hoops savant, Arya Shirazi, about the NBA at the All-Star Break and what to do about tanking.Zirin, The NFL Owners and Olympic Organizers in Epstein’s Inboxhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/nfl-owners-casey-wasserman-epstein-files/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | ht
The Collision between Paul Robeson & Jackie Robinson
This week, we talk to author Howard Bryant, whose towering new book is called Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. It's an incredible look at these two trailblazing giants of the 20th century, how they navigated the racism of their day, and the ways both their lives were irrevocably changed by Jackie Robinson's 1949 testimony "condemning" Robeson at the Hou
Death Row Survivor Kenny Collins & Why We Should Boycott the World Cup
This week, we have an exclusive interview with Kenny Collins, an innocent man who survived 17 unjust years on Maryland's death row and now, at long last, will be leaving prison behind. Also, I have some choice words about why the world must boycott the World Cup. Zirin, A Call Is Rising for Nations to Boycott the Trump World Cuphttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/oke-goettlich-world-cup-
Gambling With the Future of Sports & Minneapolis Teacher Speaks Out
This week we speak to Danny Funt author of the new book “Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling.” We also talk to Minneapolis teacher Daniel Troccoli about what’s going on the ground in Trump’s fascist shitshow.Zirin, A Minneapolis Teacher Wants the Whole Country in the Streetshttps://www.thenation.com/article/activism/minneapolis-resistance-trump-ice/—http://www.edgeofsp
The Atlanta Braves or the Atlanta Bravest? Also, the March for Mumia
This week, we speak to Chris Buccafusco about his organization, Atlanta Bravest, and what they are doing to combat indigenous mascoting. Also, sound from the March for Mumia onto the grounds of his prison, which took on the issue not only of Mumia’s incarceration but also of elder and medical abuse inside our prisons. Zirin,“This Is Historic”: FIFA and UEFA Presidents Are Accused of Aiding Israel’
Moses Malone Gets Biblical
This week, we speak to Paul Knepper about his new book, Moses Malone: The Life Of A Basketball Prophet. Also, we talked to the hoops savant Arya Shirazi about what we’ve learned so far this NBA season and which preseason prediction we wish we could do over. Zirin, Sports Media Has Forgotten About CTE Even After Player Deathshttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/nfl-concussion-cte-sports-media/
How Lacrosse and Boxing Explain The USA
This week, we speak to Scott Price, author of the new book The American Game: History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse. I interview Scott alongside Edge of Sports Lacrosse correspondent Vin Intondi. Also, I speak to Rudy Mondragón, for part II of our discussion about the new book Rings of Dissent: Boxing and Performances of Rebellion.Zirin, Above All, the NBA Will Protect the Gambling Industry
Boxing's Rings of Dissent and NBA Awards Predictions
This week, we talk to David Leonard, co-editor of the new book Rings of Dissent: Boxing and Performances of Rebellion. We also go into Part III of our NBA preview, joined by the savant Aryan Shirazi, where we make awards predictions and even early revisions. Zirin, Mumia Abu-Jamal Speaks With the Clear Voice of a Free Manhttps://www.thenation.com/podcast/society/eos-10132025/—http://www.edgeofspor
Tom Alter & Eastern Conference Preview
This week we talk to labor historian Dr. Tom Alter, fired from his teaching post at Texas State for speaking at a socialism conference and whose case is taken on a national profile for its blatant violation of free speech and academic freedom. We also talk to the basketball savant Arya Shirazi about the NBA Eastern Conference. Zirin, Black History Is for Everyone, and a Western Conference Previewh
Black History is for EVERYONE and a Western Conference Preview
This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, we speak to Brian Jones, author of the new book Black History is for EVERYONE. Also, we are back with hoops savant Arya Shirazi discussing the Western Conference and who we think the top 6 teams are. Zirin, Zohran Mamdani Is Right to Call Out FIFA. But He Doesn’t Go Far Enough.https://www.thenation.com/article/society/nfl-trump-dublin-ireland-steelers-vikin
How Ireland Views the NFL & Mumia’s Lawyer Speaks
This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, we talk to Noelle Hanrahan, founder and director of Prison Radio, as well as attorney for Mumia Abu-Jamal, who joins the show. We discuss several different topics, ranging from Philadelphia and Larry Krasner to recent developments regarding Mumia Abu Jamal and even local sports radio. Zirin, The NFL Is Trump’s America—and It’s Invading Irelandhttps://www.th
Live from Occupied DC
Body: This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, we have a special episode from occupied Washington, DC, a town currently rife with armed National Guard and ICE agents, and yet a city bursting with resistance and revolutionary spirit. We speak with citizen journalist extraordinaire Chuck Modiano, a staple at DC protests, about everything from activist night patrols (of which Chuck and I took part in
The New DC Football Stadium Is A Bad Deal Plus Little League Magic
This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, we are speaking with Evan Brown, a fellow with the Sports Fans Coalition, about the brewing stadium deal for the Washington Commanders and why it isn't suitable for the District. We also speak to education activist and author (#TeachTruth) Jesse Hagopian about the Little League team he coaches, the Steelheads, and their remarkable run to the city champi
Emergency NBA Finals Pod! Why Achilles' Tears Matter! Or Do They?
This week, we chop it up with Arya Shirazi to discuss the NBA Finals. We also discuss SGA’s place among the best in the league, and what to make of the recent spate of Achilles injuries. Zirin, The Defeat of Andrew Cuomo Would Be a Devastating Loss for Scumbag Centrismhttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/andrew-cuomo-scumbag-centrism/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/
Sarah Alami On Hollywood's Palestine Blacklist
This week, we speak to Palestinian-American actor Sara Alami (Guardians of the Galaxy) about navigating Hollywood in a time when speaking out against genocide can mortally damage your career. Zirin, Why the LA Dodgers Stood Up to ICEhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/los-angeles-dodgers-ice/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsport
Thibs Fired! What Are The Societal Implications? An Emergency Pod
In a special emergency pod, Arya Shirazi joins the show to chop it up about the New York Knicks' decision to let go of Tom Thibodeau.Zirin, Trump Threatens to Withhold New York’s Education Funding Unless Racist Mascoting Returnshttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/linda-mcmahon-trump-massapequa-chiefs/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.co
Bobbito’s Hoop Dreams
This week, we speak to the legendary Bobbito Garcia about his new book, Bobbito's Book of B-Ball Bong Bong!: A Memoir of Sports, Style, and Soul. We also talk about his career as an author, his cultural contributions to Hip-Hop, basketball, and sneakers, and his takes on basketball films. You don’t want to miss this episode. Zirin, Trump’s World Cup Will Endanger Foreign Guests. Boycott Now!ht
The Book MLK Historians Are Learning From
This week, we speak to Jeanne Theoharis, author of the groundbreaking new book King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South. It is a deep dive into the remarkable political work that Dr. King accomplished north of the Mason-Dixon line and in southern California. Theoharis has uncovered a treasure trove of information that has gobsmacked even serious historians of
The End Times NBA Playoffs
This week is our long-awaited 2025 NBA preview with hoops savant Arya Shirazi. Even in difficult times, the NBA playoffs remind us of what’s good. Check out our preview.Zirin, Can Steve Kerr Light an Anti-Trump Fire in the Sports World?https://www.thenation.com/article/society/steve-kerr-trump/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod
The Rhythm of DC’s Resistance & What's The Deal With UFC?
This week, we talk to Dr. Maurice Jackson, author of the new book Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience: How Black Washingtonians Used Music and Sports in the Fight for Equality. We also talk to Ari Drennen from Media Matters about their recent study about the politics of the people behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rhythms of Resistance & Resiliencehttps://press.georgetown.edu/Book/Rh
What To Learn From A Yearbook
This week, we talk to Michael Messner, author of the fascinating new book, about what we can learn by looking at sports and yearbooks over the course of a century. It’s called “The High School: Sports, Spirit, and Citizens, 1903-2024.” Also, I’m talking to the savant, Arya Shirazi, about the days when March was truly mad. The High Schoolhttps://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/the-high-school/978197
Rabbis for Justice in Palestine
This week, we speak to Rabbi Brant Rosen of the Tzedek Chicago Synagogue, a synagogue that claims anti-Zionism as a core tenet of their beliefs. We talk about this perilous moment when an antisemitic administration is weaponizing antisemitism to jail Israel’s critics. We also talk some sports! Brant Rosenhttps://rabbibrant.com/Zirin, Jackie Robinson Again Teaches Us to Never Back Down to Bigotshtt
Journalist and Trans Athlete Karleigh Webb & Great Point Guards of Yesteryear
This week, we speak to Outsports journalist and Connecticut Ambush football player Karleigh Webb about her journey and insights on trans issues in sports. Also, we speak to hoops savant Arya Shirazi about the long-lost days of the court general, who was the point guard. We also remember the late great John Feinstein. Karleigh Webbhttps://www.outsports.com/author/karleigh-webb/https://www.instagram
Mapping A US Men’s Soccer Revolution
This week, we speak to US-born, Rio de Janeiro-based visionary Robert Wilson, whose short volume A Football Manifesto is a brilliant excavation of the systemic, structural problems in US men’s soccer and a radical fan-centric approach to radical change. It’s not just a diagnosis. It’s a wholly original cure. Robert Wilsonhttps://bookshop.org/p/books/the-football-manifesto-and-club-handbook-bringin
“Sports Under Fascism & All-Time NBA Injury What-Ifs”
This week, we have a talk I gave two years ago about the social function of sports in an authoritarian society. It rings more true today, and I wanted to share it with you all. Also, I talked to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about the injuries that changed the course of NBA history.Zirin, Why Democrats Won’t Throw a Real Punchhttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democratic-party-fecklessnes
Former NFL Player Chris Kluwe On His Arrest Protesting MAGA
This week, we speak to former NFL player Chris Kluwe. Kluwe made news this week for his protest of MAGA at a Huntingdon Beach city council meeting, garnering headlines worldwide. We discuss what led to that moment, why he did what he did, and the sports world’s reaction to this administration and what explains it.Zirin, Why Democrats Won’t Throw a Real Punchhttps://www.thenation.com/article/politi
The Sports Doc We’ve Been Waiting For And the NBA at the All-Star Break
This week we speak to executive producer Arif Khatib and director Steven C. Bernier about their new documentary, Because They Believed: Minority Athletic Trailblazers Who Broke through The Racial Divide. The film is available on all streaming platforms and it's the documentary sports and politics lovers have been waiting for. Also, we talk to hoops savant Arya Shirazi about where this NBA seas
Heavy Luka Theories with Kiese Laymon
It's being called the most shocking trade in basketball or even sports history: All-NBA guard Luka Doncic was sent from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Everyone is searching for reasons why the Mavericks would throw away Doncic, a generationally great player who is only 25 years old. On Edge of Sports, we break the trade down with none other than Kiese Laymon.
The Legendary Robert Lipsyte: His New Book Rhino Run, And How YA Novels Can Save The World
This week, we speak to the legendary New York Times journalist and acclaimed Young Adult writer Robert Lipsyte. We talk about his new book, Rhino’s Run, the relationship between high school athletes and masculinity, and the galvanizing potential of American football. Al this and more on this week’s pod!https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/780979/let-us-play-by-harrison-browne-and-rachel-browne
Trans Athletes Fight Back and The Golden Age of NBA Centers
We have two guests, Harrison Browne, and Arya Shirazi, talking about trans athletes and the golden era of NBA centers.This week, we speak to Harrison Browne, the first transgender pro hockey player, about a new book he wrote with his journalist sister Rachel Browne, Let Us Play: Winning the Battle for Gender Diverse Athletes, about how their stories are a key to defending their rights in the face
“Should College Football Die?”
Body: This week, we come from the famed Politics & Prose bookstore in Washington, DC, where I interview Derek Silva on the new book he co-authored, The End of College Football. His co-author, Nathan Kalman-Lamb, was denied entry to the U.S. from Canada, which we discussed. Thank you, Politics & Prose for permission to use the audio!Zirin, Why Did the US Block a Canadian Professor From His
No Diamonds: The Most Important Sports Films That Aren’t Baseball
Hoosiers? Slap Shot? Boxcar Bertha? Today, film savant Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about the baseball movies that could have been. Zirin, In 2024, the Sports Leagues Watched the World Burnhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/sports-2024-year-review/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.c
Why Baseball Movies Matter
This week, we speak about the joy and politics of baseball movies. First, we speak to Noah Gittell, author of the terrific romp of a book Baseball: The Movie. Then we speak to movie savant Arya Shirazi about the five most essential baseball movies of all time and whether they will hold up in 2024. Zirin, Trump Invites a Killer to His Luxury Boxhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-army-n
Chet or Biff: What We Can Politically Learn From The Biggest Dirtbags in 80s Teen Movies?
This week, we join longtime, award-winning Hollywood Makeup artist Spring Super to discuss teen film villains in the 1980s and how they affect our politics! Zirin, What the Bosa/Kaepernick Double Standard Tells Us About the 2024 Electionshttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nick-bosa-maga-colin-kaepernick/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.c
A Basketball Look Back
This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, savant Arya Shirazi joins Dave to discuss what they have learned ten games into the season and what predictions they would do over if they had to do it again. Zirin, What the Bosa/Kaepernick Double Standard Tells Us About the 2024 Electionshttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nick-bosa-maga-colin-kaepernick/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http:
Bill Fletcher Jr on What’s Next
This week, we are joined by Bill Fletcher. We talk about the story, the 2024 presidential election, and what to make of it. We discuss the appeal of Trump’s revanchism, why the election turned out the way it did, and what we can do. You don’t want to miss this episode.Zirin, Your NBA Eastern Conference Previewhttps://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-102124-nba/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.
YOUR NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW
This week, we are joined by savant Arya Shirazi. We talk about the upcoming NBA season, specifically the Western Conference. Are the Thunder going to level up? Has the Denver Nuggets’ title window passed? What are we to make of this year’s Lakers? You won’t want to miss this one.Zirin, Your NBA Eastern Conference Previewhttps://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-102124-nba/—http://www.edgeofspo
YOUR NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW
This week, we are joined by savant Arya Shirazi. We talk about the upcoming NBA season, specifically the Eastern Conference. How much of the needle moved with the Karl Anthony Towns addition in New York? Are the Boston Celtics the prohibitive favorites in the East? Is this the year that the Philadelphia 76ers finally break through? You won’t want to miss this one.Zirin, Chiefs Placekicker Harrison
Teaching Complicated Athletes to Children
This week, we talk to New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss. His latest is a nonfiction chapter book series about athletes who have stepped up beyond sports to make a difference in the world: the first three books in this series, all written by Andrew, are about Pat Tillman, Maya Moore, and LeBron James. Zirin, In a Glaring Double Standard, FIFA Fails to Suspend Israelhttps://www.thena
The History and Future of the Black Quarterback
This week we speak to Dr. Louis Moore about his groundbreaking new book: The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback. You don’t want to miss this episode.Zirin, Tyreek Hill and Player Policing, NBA Off-Season Intrigueshttps://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-091324-tyreekhill/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPo
Tyreek Hill And Player Policing; NBA Off Season Intrigues
This week I have choice words about the police treatment of Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and the NFL franchise owners who endorse it. We also talk to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about an intriguing off-season time in the NBA.Zirin, Police Violence, Tyreek Hill, and the NFL Owners Who Bankroll Brutalityhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/police-violence-tyreek-hill-miami-dolphins/—h
LeBron, Steph, Wemby, and the Greatest Olympic Basketball Game of All Time
This week, we have a particular installment of hoops talk with my friend Arya Shirazi, where we talk about Olympic basketball, Team USA, their incredible final against France, and the future of international basketball. We talk about Steph Curry, Lebron James, and Victor Wembanyama and we theorize about where it could all be going. Zirin, What Was the Paris Olympics?https://www.thenation.com/artic
The Trans History Embedded in Hitler’s 1936 Olympics
This week we speak to Michael Waters, author of the book The Other Olympians: Fascism, Queerness, and the Making of Modern Sports. An incredible eye-opening discussion about a part of Olympic history we are simply not taught Zirin, Palestinian Olympians Are Competing as Their World Burnshttps://www.thenation.com/article/world/palestinian-olympians-paris-olympics/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com
Making Sense of The Celtics Triumph
This week on Edge of Sports we have our last in a series with Arya Shirazi about the NBA playoffs in the victory of the Boston Celtics over the Dallas Mavericks. We discuss what we both got wrong, the larger playoffs, and more.Zirin, “Reg-GIE! Reg-GIE! Reg-GIE!”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/reggie-jackson-jim-crow-baseball/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeO
The Dallas Mavericks: Mission impossible?
Arya Shirazi joins the show to review the NBA Conference Finals and preview the NBA FinalsBody: This week basketball savant Arya Shirazi joins the Edge of Sports Pod to talk about whether the Dallas Mavericks can shock the world and beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.Zirin, Counting the Negro League Records Is About More Than Numbershttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/baseball-mlb-neg
Round One Understood
This week, Dave Zirin brings back Arya Shirazi to discuss round one of the playoffs and what we learned.Zirin, “Macklemore Dares Others to Stand Up for Palestine”https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/macklemore-hinds-hall-palestine/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotlin
Former A's Bruce Maxwell calls out Oakland A's owner John Fisher for Vegas move
After more than 50 years, the Oakland A's announced their departure from the city last year, leaving Oakland bereft of its sports teams after the flight of the Warriors in 2019 and the Raiders in 2020. To the dismay of fans, the A's plan to temporarily relocate to a minor league stadium in Sacramento before permanently moving to Las Vegas in the 2028 season. Former A's catcher Bruce Ma
The Meaning of Jalen Brunson and the 2024 Playoffs
This week we discuss why New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson should not be seen is anybody’s underdog. Also, we break down who is going to win the first round playoff, matchups, with an eye on the politics of the games.Zirin, “The 2024 Olympics Are Already Dealing With Multiple Political Crises”https://www.thenation.com/article/world/2024-paris-olympics-political-crises/—http://www.edgeofsportspodc
The Magic of Luka and Kyrie
Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie is the most thrilling guard combo in the league and perhaps ever. Yet very few thought their coming together would work. We explore why.Zirin, “Coaching Great Dawn Staley Defends Trans Athletes”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/dawn-staley-trans-athletes/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://f
The NBA Road to International Greatness
Arya joins the pod again to talk about the rising of the international influence of the NBA, it’s early roots, and where the game may be headed. Zirin, “Online Gambling Has Swallowed Professional Sports”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/online-gambling-sports-shohei-ohtani/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us:
Future of the Game
Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about the current state of the NBA, and we discuss what the implications of this game are moving forward and how we feel about the direction it’s heading aesthetically and as an entertainment product. Zirin, “Jonathan Glazer’s Brave Oscar Speech Represents the Best of Judaism”https://www.thenation.com/article/world/jonathan-glazer-oscar-speech-gaza-israel-judais
Irish athlete activist on organizing a sports boycott of Israel
Rebecca O'Keeffe helped spark an international firestorm within the world of sports when she called on the Irish women’s basketball team to boycott its Feb. 8 match against Israel. While O'Keeffe's calls for a boycott ultimately went unheeded, her actions have provoked serious debate within Ireland and internationally on the responsibility of athletes to stand up against genocide. O
Basketball Butterfly Effect: The Forgotten Stars of the NBA’s 1980s
In this episode, we talk about the truly forgotten players of the NBA, particularly during the 1980s, such a unique era in the history of the NBA, and theorize on why they are not remembered as intently as others. Zirin, “What the Super Bowl Parade Shooting Has to Do With the Empire of the Gun”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/super-bowl-parade-shooting-guns-colonialism/—http://www.edgeofs
Basketball Butterfly Effect: How the Pistons Clawed Their Way to Two Titles
The 1980s and 1990s were defined by basketball dynasties like the Lakers, Celtics, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Yet in the midst of this unprecedented stretch of dominance, the Detroit Pistons won two and could’ve very easily won four NBA titles. How did they do it? And why do we discount this incredible accomplishment?Zirin, When Wearing a Sweater Is Antisemitichttps://www.thenation.com/ar
Why Haven't the Knicks Won a Championship In 50 Years?
New York is the Mecca of basketball. So what explains the city’s inability to score an NBA championship in the last half-century. Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about this historical oddity.Zirin, What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgershttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-klein-aaron-rodgers-colin-kaepernick/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSp
Basketball Butterfly Effect: Why Didn’t LeBron ever play Kobe in the Finals?
Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are two of the most defining players of their generation and NBA history. While a considerable portion of their careers overlapped, the two never met in the NBA finals. Why? What would have happened? Arya and I discuss on this week’s episode. Zirin, “Will the IOC Do Anything About the Killing of Palestinian Athletes?”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ioc-israel
Basketball Butterfly Effect: Steph Curry & the Knicks
In Part 6 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 2009 NBA draft and the Knicks coming close to getting Davidson sharpshooter Steph Curry, the most revolutionary player of his generation. You don’t want to miss this episode!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Basketball Butterfly Effect: 1993 Draft
In Part 5 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 1993 NBA draft and a crucial trade that takes place that changes the course of 90s basketball. You don’t want to miss this episode!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Trans athletes fight for inclusion in sports & racial economy of college football
Inclusion for trans athletes in sports has become a flashpoint in the culture war that extends from schools to international competitions. Katie Barnes joins Edge of Sports to discuss their new book, Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates, which offers one of the most comprehensive views yet on how the struggle for inclusion in the realm of sports has much wider social and political conseq
What makes Deion Deion And Adam Mansbach Makes It Plain
This week on the pod, we speak to Jean Jacques Taylor author of the new book Coach Prime. With near total access to Deion Sanders program at Jackson State and explains what makes Deion Deion. Also we speak to best selling author Adam Mansbach about his incredible book The Golem of Brooklyn. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the NAIA.Jean-Jacques TaylorTwitter:
Len Bias and the 1980s War on Drugs
This week on the pod, we welcome back Arya Shirazi to discuss another basketball butterfly effect: what if the NBA had handled the death of Len bias differently? How is that of affected that generation of 1980s players?Zirin, How DeSantis Is Using Sports to Hijack a Florida Collegehttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-college-sarasota-florida-desantis/—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ |
Why Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf Didn't Stand For The Anthem
In the early 90s, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf had a promising career ahead of him in the NBA as an up-and-coming star. That all changed in 1996 when he refused to stand for the US National Anthem and called the US flag a symbol of oppression. The NBA retaliated by suspending him, and Abdul-Rauf spent the next two decades playing exclusively for international leagues. On this episode of Edge of Sports, Abdu
Northwestern's hazing scandal and sports culture w/Byron Hurt
Officially, hazing is illegal and unwelcome just about everywhere you turn—but it continues as an open secret in far too many fraternities, sports teams, and other institutions. The latest revelations from Northwestern University's football team are a stark reminder that we have a long way to go to uproot the culture of hazing for good. Anti-gender violence activist and documentarian Byron Hur
Chamique Holdsclaw on Depression and Fame
Chamique Holdsclaw's legendary status was apparent from the moment she entered professional sports. After helping the US National Team win the Gold Medal in the 1998 Berlin Olympics, Holdsclaw was named Rookie of the Year in her first WNBA season. Her talent on the court and success in the WNBA projected an image of stability, but away from the cameras, Holdsclaw struggled with her mental heal
Basketball Butterfly Effect Part III: MJ in Portland?
This week on the Edge of Sports Podcast, part three of our discussion with basketball savant Arya Shirazi about basketball butterfly effects. This time we're talking what would have happened if Michael Jordan, on draft night in 1984, had not been drafted by the Chicago Bulls and had instead been selected by the Portland Trail Blazers. Also we have words about the controversy surrounding Michae
Basketball Butterfly Effect Part II: The Ballad of Kobe Bean
This week on the Edge of Sports Podcast, part two of our discussion with basketball savant Arya Shirazi about basketball butterfly effects. This time, we're talking about what would have happened if Kobe Bryant, on draft night 1996, had not been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and had instead been kept by the Charlotte Hornets. Also, we have words about the controversy surrounding Michael Ohe
Basketball Butterfly Effect: The 2003 NBA Draft
This week we speak to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about what could have happened if the Detroit Pistons had drafted Carmelo Anthony instead of Darko Milicic in 2003. It would have been a profound basketball butterfly effect. I also speak about the USWNT getting bounced from the World Cup.Zirin, Why the Right Wanted the USWNT to Losehttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/reactionary-defeatism
The Women's World Cup and the fight for equal pay w/ Julie Foudy
As two-time defending champions, the US is the team to beat in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup. Long considered one of the best soccer teams in the world, the US Women's National Team hasn't always been given its dues. Former captain Julie Foudy joins Edge of Sports for a look back on the evolution of women's soccer.Zirin, Carli Lloyd’s Attacks on the USWNT Are Personal—and
What Happened to Black Activism in Professional Sports?
The growth of the Black Lives Matter movement through the 2010s catalyzed a resurgence of Black activism in professional sports that had its climax in 2020 with the athletes' boycott following the shooting of Jacob Blake. Just a few years later, this energy seems to have dissipated. What happened, and how can we comprehend these recent events in the longer arc of Black activism in sports? Spor
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