Mike Safo

Latest Episodes:

Mike Safo with Josh Rawitch, President MLB Hall of Fame Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by the 8th President of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Josh Rawitch. Josh and I talk about relocating his family from the West Coast up to Cooperstown, New York, what food they miss the most, what food Cooperstown does better and if he's a local celebrity yet. Josh shares about growing up a Dodgers fan, why he chose Indiana for college and how a few letters to his favorite team got him an internship that he parlayed into a full time gig. We find out how and why there are only 7 former Presidents of the Hall, what was the first thing he did as President and if he had his "Night at the Museum" moment yet and gone there at 2am to hang out. We talk about his vision and goals for the Hall, his day to day activities and joining the "Museums for All" program to allow all children the ability to enter the Hall regardless of financial standings. Josh chats about his team and making decisions on what items to display, staying current and requesting items from players and if there is ever any pushback from the players wanting to keep their swag. From being on stage during Derek Jeter's induction to wanting to have an MLB game at the Grand Canyon, Josh's vision for the game is always thinking forward. Such a blast to have on "The Prez" Twitter: https://twitter.com/HOFprez

Mike Safo with Irish Boxing Phenom Kieran Molloy Jun 16, 2022

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Joined today by Irish boxing phenom, Kieran Molloy. Kieran and I talk about his first visit to New York City, what he wants to see and of course what he wants to eat. We chat about why he signed with Top Rank and the Conlan brothers, the recruitment process and why he knew it was time to turn pro. Kieran reminisces about starting to box at the age of 5 years old, what fighters he looked up to, and why he thinks Americans are gonna love his southpaw knockout style. He shares about fighting at Madison Square Garden, linking up with Angel Fernandez, and if he feels the pressure of being such a highly touted Top Rank prospect. Kieran shares why I need to visit Galway, what bars to go to and how he’s in the process of getting some merch!! Follow the phenom Kieran Molloy here and check out his fight Saturday June 18!! Twitter: https://twitter.com/kieranmolloy8

Mike Safo with Jerry Cohen, Ebbets Field Flannels Jun 14, 2022

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Joined today by by founder and CEO of Ebbets Field Flannels, Jerry Cohen. Jerry and I talk about growing up in Brooklyn, his childhood, and where his fascination and obsession with jerseys/hats came from. Jerry reminisces about performing in a rock band, making some jerseys and how he parlayed that into starting the company in 1988. We hear why he started off hand sewing jerseys from special wool in painstaking detail because he wanted his products to be truly authentic. Jerry looks back on not having a business model when he started and the 2 or 3 moments when he really knew he had something special. We discuss how his clientele has changed over the years, how he picks what team or league to design next and how his products are rotated and discontinued. I ask Jerry about any beef with the other vintage sporting line "Mitchell and Ness", why he hasn’t produced NBA jerseys and what would be some of his dream designs. We hear about the early hurdles of desinging uniforms from black and white photos from the Hall of Fame, why the MLS won't let him produce some kits and sadly why his flagship store in Seattle closed down. We hear about best-selling merch, working on the set of "42", and donating money to the Negro League Museum. From the Joplin Miners to the Bustin' Babes and even the San Francisco Seals, Ebbets Field Flannels is hands down the best in the game, and Jerry is behind it all. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ebbetsvintage Website: https://www.ebbets.com/

Mike Safo with MLB All-Star Steve Trachsel Mar 25, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by MLB All-Star and veteran Steve Trachsel. Steve and I chat about growing up in California, why he chose Long Beach State and then going to the college World Series with Jason Giambi. We touch on where he was when he got the call from the Cubbies that he goes drafted, rocketing through the minors and walking into a locker room with Grace, Dunston and Ryno. We talk about playing in the friendly confines, leaving as a free agent and why he always wanted to play in New York. Steve tells us the difficulties of playing in NYC with the media, his September 11th story and his emotions when Piazza hit that iconic HR against the Braves. We reminisce about his first big injury and how he dealt with that mentally, geeking out with some of the All-Stars in ‘96 when he made the team, and when he knew it was time to call it quits. From Steve’s dream destination to his return to NYC this year for old timers day, Steve shows why he was always considered one of baseballs good guys! Follow Steve on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Traxxx46

Mike Safo with Jeff Pearlman, NY Times Best-Selling Author Mar 16, 2022

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Joined today by podcaster and New York Times best-selling author, Jeff Pearlman. Jeff and I talk about him leaving NYC for the West Coast, what food he misses and what Cali does better. We reminisce about growing up and idolizing old school sports writers and getting his dream job at Sports Illustrated at just 24 years old. Jeff looks back on leaving SI to work for Newsday and then making the transition into writing books. We touch upon his incredible book about the 86’ Mets. He shares the struggle he experienced putting so much time into his Bonds book only to fail and how he overcame it. We chat about why he wrote “Three Ring Circus” which is about Kobe, Shaq and those Lakers and why he didn’t enjoy it. He also talks about what he wanted to ask Kobe and what would have happened if Coach Cal and the Nets drafted Kobe. Jeff tells us about his podcast “Two writers slinging yang”, how he prepares for an interview and some of his dream guests. Jeff plugs his newest book about Bo Jackson and expresses his wish to write a book about Tupac. From hanging with Phil Jackson to sitting down hearing jokes from Muhammad Ali, Jeff Pearlman brings his awesome reporting and storytelling to the podcast. Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffpearlman

Mike Safo with Reinaldo Marcus Green 2, award winning Director Feb 22, 2022

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Joined today by award winning film director and my childhood friend and teammate, Reinaldo Marcus Green. Rei and I talk about growing up, playing baseball together and how we argued over the Yankees and Mets. Rei talks about being a hot young rookie director and being given the script for “King Richard”, why it resonated so much with him and why he knew he needed to direct the film. He shares his first meeting with Will Smith, how he sold himself and why Jada played a role in Will wanting Rei to direct the film. We go over the pressures of telling the Williams sisters’ story correctly, having to correct Will on his lines and why it was so important to include the other Williams sisters in the story. Rei tells us about the creative power he has, what he changed for the movie and when he knows his film is finally completed. Rei goes behind the scenes and talks about the importance of everyone on set from the costume designer to the lighting team. We discuss his newest project, “We Own This City”; about the corrupt Baltimore police department, why it’s important to humanize even the bad guys, and why the conversation between police and POC need to continue to be had by everyone. From Oscar nominations to texting Jamie Foxx, Reinaldo shows why he bet on himself by taking out huge loans from NYU and why he’s winning. IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3232264/

Mike Safo with NYC Streetball Legend Jack Ryan Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by NYC streetball legend, Jack “Black Jack” Ryan. Jackie and I talk about being one of the hottest recruits coming out of high school and why his stubbornness and hard-headiness put him in 3 different high schools and 4 different colleges before quitting in a quest to be a streetball legend. Jack tells us about his superstar daughter Morgan, her signing a letter to go play at Pace, playing father-daughter games with her and how that led to him meeting Kobe Bryant. We discuss his documentary and Netflix movie and how’s he was getting recognized by all different people. Jack shares a great story about playing against David Robinson and Navy and getting pulled from the game for being too flashy. We hear about his drinking, partying and how he overcame his suicidal thoughts. We chat about how Peter Vecsey got him a tryout with the New Jersey Nets, how a chance meeting got him a gig with the Legendary Harlem Wizards and how performing in front of 1000 kids is more rewarding than dropping 50 points at “The Cage”. All this plus why Magic Johnson ducked him in a game, playing horse with Chris Mullin and PeeWee Kirkland. Follow Jackie on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/blackjackryan21

Mike Safo with Super Bowl Champion Desmond Bishop Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, Desmond Bishop. Des talks about growing up in California, rooting for the 49ers and who were the players he looked up to. We discuss why he wasn’t recruited out of high school, why he choose the elite San Francisco as his JUCO and the decision to go to Cal over USC after being an All-American from JUCO. Desmond talks about how he didn’t know about mock drafts and how surprised he was that he was drafted so late. We hear about his impression of Green Bay, his first introduction to Brett Favre and how close he was to the Super Bowl in his rookie season. Co-hosted with Bill Viscardi, we hear from a fan’s perspective going up to the frozen tundra, what’s there to do in Green Bay, and also hear Desmond’s advice to aspiring high school athletes on what they can do to become elite. He reminisces about Super Bowl XLV, his famous fumble recovery and the heartbreaking story of why he didn’t get to meet President Obama at the White house. Desmond opens up about his injuries, being cut and why he regrets choosing the Vikings over another team when he was a free agent. From boxing to Charles Woodson’s Super Bowl speech, and more with the Super Bowl Champion.

Mike Safo with Cameron Mills 3 Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by newlywed, documentary producer and Kentucky basketball legend, Cameron Mils. Cam talks about his new family, the courting of his wife Susan, the best and worst parts about marriage and how he outkicked his coverage. We talk about the return of Coach Tubby Smith to the Commonwealth, the first thing Coach said to him, and what it meant to see Coach for the first time in forever. Cameron and I talk about the initial thoughts of the ‘98 team when Coach Pitino left, what their goals were and how they handled their early losses to Arizona and Louisville. We touch on his 31 point outburst against Florida, the famous 1998 Championship run and the full investigation into his stolen title ring and how it was recovered years later. He speaks about his father, Terry Mills playing for Coach Rupp and guarding “Pistol” Pete. He shares what it’s like producing his Kentucky documentaries and if there’s a topic he would like to tackle next. We chat a little about Reed Sheppard and Cam’s thoughts about the Kentucky kid staying home. From Seinfeld trivia to making President Clinton laugh at the White House, Cameron always brings his unique storytelling to the podcast. Follow Cam here: https://twitter.com/cameronmillz

Mike Safo with Richard Chizmar Nov 26, 2021

Show notes

Joined today by creator of "Cemetery Dance" and best-selling author of the hit book "Chasing the Boogeyman", Richard Chizmar. Richard and I talk about Baltimore sports and why he's leaning his allegiance to the Virginia Cavaliers. We chat about his incredible new book, when he knew he had a hit and the idea to make himself the main character. He tells us where the idea of the book came from, the difficulties of juggling fiction and non-fiction, centering the book around his hometown and how after he finished he realized it was a mixture of Stephen King, Scream and I'll Be Gone in the Dark. He reminisces about his days at the University of Maryland, how and why he started Cemetery Dance and what was his backup plan. He shares how he started sending his work to Stephen king and how that evolved into him and Stephen co-writing books together. From making fake websites about the book to his favorite pieces of memorabilia. All this with the incredibly entertaining and uber talented Richard Chizmar. Richard's Website: https://richardchizmar.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardChizmar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Richard_Chizmar/

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