The Lead

Latest Episodes:

The Rise of Tampa Bay's Humble Superstar Sep 29, 2020

Show notes

Brayden Point fired home the winning goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday night, helping the Tampa Bay Lightning hoist the trophy for the first time since 2004. It's the latest in a remarkable set of accomplishments for the talented center, who is now widely regarded as one of the very best players in the league. The Athletic's Joe Smith recently dove into the reticent Point's past, speaking to family members and former teammates and coaches, and he joins us to tell the story of Point's journey from skinny Calgary kid who many doubted to Stanley Cup champion.

Read Joe Smith's profile of Brayden Point:

https://theathletic.com/2052654/2020/09/09/brayden-point-unmasked-the-making-of-the-lightnings-humble-star/?source=theleadpodcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#LetRussCook: The Meme That Saved The Seahawks Sep 28, 2020

Show notes

Many Seattle Seahawks fans have been frustrated for years over Russell Wilson not being allowed to throw the football as much as they would like. But now, thanks in part to a tweet that became a meme, which in turn became a movement, Russ is airing it out and he and the Seahawks are cooking. The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar joins us to tell the story of a frustrated fan who used social media to help change the way his beloved football team plays.

Read Michael-Shawn Dugar's story about #LetRussCook:

https://theathletic.com/2089335/2020/09/24/a-history-of-let-russ-cook-the-meme-that-may-have-saved-the-seahawks/?source=theleadpodcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 37 Years, Rick Bowness Gets His Shot Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

The Dallas Stars have made a somewhat unlikely run to the Stanley Cup Finals under interim head coach Rick Bowness, who took the helm in December after Jim Montgomery was fired for unprofessional conduct. It's the latest stop in a long and winding hockey career, which has turned Bowness into something of a legend in hockey circles. The Athletic’s Sean Shapiro joins us to discuss Bowness's 37-year coaching odyssey, how he has steered the Stars to the Stanley Cup Finals, and why so many people are rooting for the veteran coach to succeed.

Sean Shapiro's profile of Rick Bowness:

https://theathletic.co.uk/2073784/2020/09/18/bonesys-awesome-after-37-years-stars-coach-rick-bowness-gets-a-real-chance/?source=theleadpodcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anthony Davis’s Mamba Moment Sep 24, 2020

Show notes

Heading into Thursday night’s Game 4, the Lakers have a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals, and Anthony Davis has played a huge role in L.A.’s postseason success. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Bill Oram to look at how Davis has risen to the challenge in his first postseason playing alongside LeBron James, and evoked Kobe Bryant with his dramatic game-winner on Sunday.

Read Bill Oram’s story about Anthony Davis’s Mamba shot: https://theathletic.com/2081543/2020/09/21/swagger-belief-and-the-spirit-of-kobe-how-anthony-davis-made-his-mamba-shot/?source=theleadpodcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Billy Bean Thinks Baseball Is Changing Sep 23, 2020

Show notes

Last month, Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman used a gay slur on a live broadcast and followed it up with an apology that some regarded as awkward and insincere. Billy Bean, MLB's Ambassador for Inclusion (and a former Major Leaguer), joins us to discuss the Brennaman incident and its aftermath, his own coming out story, and why he believes baseball is becoming more tolerant.

More from Kevin Fishbain:

https://theathletic.com/2074879/2020/09/18/the-athletics-guide-to-bears-giants-can-mitch-trubisky-find-consistency/?source=theleadpodcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why The Clippers Collapsed Sep 18, 2020

Show notes

The LA Clippers' historic playoff curse continues, as the team lost to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Tuesday night. The Athletic's Sam Amick was in the arena, sitting about twenty feet from the Clippers' bench, and he joins us to share his observations on what went wrong for the former title favorites. Sam also tells us about his post-game conversation with Nuggets star Jamal Murray, including how he and his Denver teammates have stayed positive and well-rested in the bubble.

Read Sam's post-game story:

https://theathletic.com/2070278/2020/09/16/power-naps-and-team-chemistry-a-chat-with-jamal-murray-after-another-game-7-win/?source=theleadpodcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Battle For WNBA MVP Sep 17, 2020

Show notes

The WNBA Playoffs are underway, and the two top-seeded teams — the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm — are both powered by superstar players, with A’ja Wilson dominating the paint for Las Vegas, and Breanna Stewart’s all-around game at the center of everything for Seattle. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings to look at the battle for league MVP, and some first-round playoff drama, with Diana Taurasi, Skylar Diggins-Smith and the Phoenix Mercury narrowly escaping on a Shey Peddy game-winner.

Follow Chantel Jenning’s coverage of the WNBA: https://theathletic.com/author/chantel-jennings/?source=theleadpodcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James Rodriguez's Everton Rebirth Sep 16, 2020

Show notes

James Rodriguez was once the toast of the soccer world. The Colombian won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, signed a massive deal with Real Madrid, and thrived for a year under manager Carlo Ancelotti. But, after the Italian coach was fired, James failed to see the field for much of the next five seasons. Now, he has been reunited with his old mentor at Everton, a club which is trying to build its global brand and break into the upper echelon of the Premier League. The Athletic's Greg O'Keefe joins us to discuss the impact of James's arrival, and what's at stake for both him and the club.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected