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 informati…

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://twitt…

A discussion about $500 million dollar Salaries, The most recent contract extensions, the top prospects in MILB and a quick review of the St Louis Cardinals.By Donald Glenn

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 & …

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 School https://ww…

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 Rosen https://rabbibrant.com/ Zirin, Jackie Robin…

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 Webb https://www.outsp…

Don Glenn and guest Dave Wischnowsky talk the Big TEN Tournament, March Madness, Brad Underwood and the Fighting illini!By Donald Glenn

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 Wilson https://bookshop.org/p/boo…

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 Punch https://www.thenati…

Kevin Wheeler one of the Hosts of the Gashouse Gang come on to talk Baseball and the St Louis Cardinals.By Donald Glenn

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…

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…

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…

I give you my take on Super Bowl LIX. I break down the teams and my thoughts on the outcome as well as my take on the alleged referee bias.By Donald Glenn

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/7809…

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 stori…

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 …

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 Burn https://www.thenation.com/article/society/sports-2024-year-review/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb…

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 Box htt…

I sit down with Kevin Wheeler from KMOX radio in St. Louis Talking the winter meetings and the Cardinals I also manage a little NCAA playoff talk and some NFL as wellBy Donald Glenn

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 Elections https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nick-bosa-maga-colin-kaepernick/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.co…

Talk about MLB off season, the NFL and the NCAA are moving toward the playoff and A new Feature on Women's sports starting with Women's basketball!By Donald Glenn

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 Elections https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nick-bosa-maga-colin-kaep…

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 Preview https://www.thenation.com/podcast/arc…

I sit down with my good friend Cory Witt to discuss Illini football, Men's and Women's basketball. We even get a few minutes in on the St Louis Cardinals.By Donald Glenn

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 Preview https://www.thenation.com/…

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 t…

I talk about the upcoming Illinois-Michigan game and have an interview with Douglas Villhard about his book The Golden Age of Red. A historical fiction novel about Red GrangeBy Donald Glenn

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 Stand…

Daniel and I talk MLB playoffs, MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the year. We also review the St Louis Cardinal season and what lies ahead.By Donald Glenn

Sorry this one goes a little long, but Daniel and I talk the playoffs, share our thoughts for MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year. We also discuss the St Louis cardinal season and what lies in store.By Donald Glenn

I talk a little Baseball, Pro football, a review of Illinois and Nebraska and a quick preview of some other NCAA gamesBy Donald Glenn

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 Intrigues https://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-091324-tyreekhill/ — http://www.edgeof…

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 Brutality https://www.thenation.com/article/s…

Baseball nearing the playoffs, the PGA starting the playoffs the NFL getting started and a look at the NCAA including coaching changes and the new playoff system. Plus a special announcement.By Donald Glenn

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 …

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 Burns https://www.thenation.com/article/world/palestinian-olympians…

After a longer than expected break I am back, talking about new rules in the NFL, Bronny James, The current state of baseball, NIL and the Transfer porta in the NCAA, with some special focus on the St Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois.By Donald Glenn

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://w…

Arya Shirazi joins the show to review the NBA Conference Finals and preview the NBA Finals Body: 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 Numbers https…

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 | em…

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 20…

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-ol…

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.edgeofsportspodcas…

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/EdgeOfS…

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/wo…

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 athle…

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-p…

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…