The Lead

Latest Episodes:

How Vegas Fell In Love With Its 'Golden Misfits' Jun 13, 2023

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An unlikely love story has been playing out in the Nevada desert over the past six years, between the city of Las Vegas and its pro hockey team. With the Golden Knights now on the brink of winning the Stanley Cup, we explore the origins of that love affair, and explain how a shared tragedy forged a powerful bond between players and fans.

Guest: Jesse Granger, The Athletic

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Starting Five: Djokovic Domination Jun 12, 2023

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Plus: Andrew McCutchen continues to steer the Pirates forward with a historic homecoming season. And a Yankees legend takes a hit from the broadcasting booth.

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The What's Next Kid: Corbin Carroll's Non-Stop Motor Jun 09, 2023

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As we get closer to the midway point of the MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are a surprise leader in the NL West, ahead of the Dodgers, Padres and Giants. One big reason why is their undersized center fielder: the 5-foot-10, do-it-all dynamo, Corbin Carroll. Today, we look at how Carroll became an All-Star caliber player — despite the lingering questions about his height. The answer can be found in the way that Carroll has carried himself ever since he was a kid.

Guest: Zach Buchanan, The Athletic

Read his full story about Corbin Carroll here

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The Great Erling Haaland Debate Jun 07, 2023

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Erling Haaland has shattered goal scoring records this season at Manchester City. But has he made his team any better? We dive into one of the more polarizing debates in soccer. Plus, a preview of this weekend's Champions League Final between Man City and Inter Milan.

Guest: Sam Lee, The Athletic

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Starting Five: The WNBA’s Secret Superstar Jun 05, 2023

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Plus: Heat Culture shines bright in the Mile High City. And a golfing phenom does something we haven’t seen in over 70 years.

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With The Architect Leaving, Will The Warriors Dynasty Crumble? (Re-Air) Jun 02, 2023

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Bob Myers ended months of speculation this week by announcing that he is stepping down as the Golden State Warriors' GM. Myers, often called the architect of the Warriors dynasty, steered the team to four championships and six NBA Finals appearances over an eight-year period, and making some key trades along the way. Today, The Athletic's Sam Amick explains Bob Myers' magical touch as a GM, why he has meant so much to the organization, and what the Warriors' future will look like without him. (Original air date: Feb 1, 2023)

Guest: Sam Amick, The Athletic

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The Rat King May 31, 2023

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Around this time last year, the Florida Panthers seemed to be at a crossroads. After posting the best regular season record in the NHL, they were swept in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now, a year later, the Panthers are in the Stanley Cup Final, and Matthew Tkachuk is a big reason why. Today, we look at how Tkachuk — a guy who gets under his opponent's skin, and then silences them with huge goals — became both the hero, and the anti-hero, that Florida needed. Plus, why the man affectionately called “The Rat King” seemingly fits right in with the Panthers.

Guest: Sean Gentille, The Athletic

Read his full stories about Matthew Tkachuk here and here

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Jim Brown's Complicated Life and Legacy May 26, 2023

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Jim Brown passed away at his home in Los Angeles last week at the age of 87. The Cleveland Browns legend and three-time NFL MVP made a name for himself as a football player, actor, and social activist, and also spent years working with gang leaders to try and prevent violence. But his reputation was also marred by a long series of domestic violence accusations. Today, how to make sense of Brown's complicated life and legacy.

Guests: Steve Rushin, Sports Illustrated

Dave Zirin, Author of Jim Brown: Last Man Standing

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The Failures That Forged The Nuggets May 24, 2023

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After more than four decades of coming up short, the Denver Nuggets are finally playing in the NBA Finals for the first time. But despite a winning record in six consecutive seasons, most of those years for Denver have ended in heartbreak. Today, we look at how the Nuggets' foundation for winning has been built on a very large pile of past failures. Plus, what it will take for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and head coach Michael Malone to bring Denver their first NBA title.

Guest: Nick Kosmider, The Athletic

Read his full story here

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