Best Laura Albanese / Cole Critchell Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 46. The Sacramento A's Ft. Susan Slusser (The San Francisco Chronicle) 1:11:57

6d ago1:11:57

1:11:57

The Not Oakland A's are in West Sacramento and the whole thing is a circus. The San Francisco Chronicle's senior baseball beat reporter Susan Slusser takes us two years of ownership drama (and much more to come), and discusses whether they'll actually make it to Vegas. Plus, Buster Posey's impact on the Giants. Cole and Laura are in full NHL playof…

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Episode 45. Post and Tax Season Ft. Alex Schiffer (Front Office Sports) 1:11:47

13d ago1:11:47

1:11:47

Rory McIlroy got his green jacket. The Dallas Wings got a frachise-shifting player. And the pod has Front Office Sport's Alex Schiffer on to talk all things NBA playoffs, the massive drama of the Nuggets firing their coach and GM right before the postseason, and what it's like to cover Kyrie Irving. Laura gets on her soapbox about male reporters be…

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Episode 44. "The Saint" Blues Ft. Lou Korac (NHL.com) 1:09:54

20d ago1:09:54

1:09:54

We got a front seat to hockey history this week, as Alexander Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky's goal scoring record. NHL.com's Lou Korac takes us behind the scenes with the most exciting team in hockey right now: The Blues are coming off a franchise-record 12 straight wins to improbably become masters of their own destiny. How did they do it? Can the…

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Episode 43. Torpedos Away Ft. Gary Phillips (NY Daily News) 1:11:48

27d ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Man the torpedoes! Daily News Yankees beat writer Gary Phillips is on to get into the nitty gritty on the "torpedo" bats that had everyone talking after the Yankees put a bruising on the Brewers. It's the first week of the baseball season, so let's overreact to some stuff! Jurikson Profar tested positive for steroids and Laura is not shocked. Cole …

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Episode 42. Opening Day Optimism Ft. Jon Heyman (NY Post, MLB Insider) 1:10:26

1M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Cole and Laura celebrate Opening Day by chatting with NY Post columnist and MLB insider Jon Heyman about everything baseball: Can the Yankees overcome their injuries? Can Juan Soto live up to his contract? Are we headed for a work stoppage? Which teams are going to surprise us? And how can mid-market teams compete in the land of the Dodgers? What A…

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Episode 41. One Shining Moment Ft. Adam Zagoria (NY Times, Forbes, NJ.com) 1:10:12

1M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

We're all mad here. March Madness is upon us and college basketball guru Adam Zagoria is on to break down the bracket, give us his best bets for the Final Four, discuss Cinderella possibilities, update us on the latest on the Cooper Flagg injury and to explain the weird controversy coming out of North Carolina. Is this St. John's year to stun the S…

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Episode 40. All Mixed Up Ft. Liz Benn (Major League Baseball Operations) 1:20:18

2M ago1:20:18

1:20:18

It's Women's History Month, so let's talk to a woman who made history, shall we? Liz Benn, former Mets director of major league baseball operations and the first woman to play in the NYC Metro Baseball League, is on to discuss being the highest-ranking woman in the franchise's front office history, the path to breaking barriers in baseball, women p…

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Episode 39. Cardinal Sins Ft. Katie Woo (The Athletic) 1:05:05

2M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

The Cardinal Way is dead. Long live The Cardinal Way. The Athletic's Katie Woo is on to talk about the Cardinals ever-evolving and...uh...sometimes confusing plan for the future, John Mozeliak's swan song, and to spread the gospel of toasted ravioli. Cole and Laura go down a conspiracy theory rabbit hole, but first, they discuss who's going to bene…

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Episode 38. Mr. Miyagi's Hitting Lab Ft. Manny Gomez (NJ.Com) 1:15:18

2M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

You've heard about the Mets pitching lab, but have you heard about their hitting lab? NJ.com's Manny Gomez is on to take us behind the scenes at Port St. Lucie. including big injuries, pregnant racoons, and Francisco Alvarez's...unorthodox methods. Plus: Should the NBA adopt the 4 Nations format? Are the Yankees going emo? And, oh yeah, Love Is Bli…

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Episode 37. Rick on a Roll Ft. Zach Braziler (NY POST) 1:15:03

2M ago1:15:03

1:15:03

St. John's is taking the Big East by Storm (pun intended) and NY Post's Zach Braziller is on to give us tales of Rick Pitino, and to help us get ready for the conference tournaments, Selection Sunday and March Madness. USA takes on Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff Finale and Cole and Laura wonder: Where have you gone, Canadian goalies? We're all in …

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Episode 36. Hurts so Good Ft. Judy Battista (NFL Network, Inside the NFL) 1:23:43

3M ago1:23:43

1:23:43

Cole is in mourning after his beloved Chiefs got walloped by the Eagles in the Super Bowl. NFL Network's Judy Battista is on to talk about the wild scene in an Eagles-fan filled NOLA, the Kendrick Lamar halftime show, and the status of the Chiefs dynasty. Laura is so ready for baseball season and still thinks the Dodgers can be dethroned, but is Sp…

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Episode 35. The Sodfather Part II. Ft. Adnan Virk (MLB Network / NHL Network) 1:00:47

3M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

The Super Bowl is here! Do you watch in public or the living room? Will the Eagles defense let them soar? Who's going to win an Oscar? Are we all retiring to play pickleball? MLB Network and NHL Network sportscaster and noted cinephile Adnan Virk is on to ponder all of life's great questions. Adnan, Cole and Laura discuss the keys to stopping a Chi…

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Episode 34. Lamentations Ft. Antwan Staley (Dailey News) 1:18:45

3M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

We have our Super Bowl matchups and Cole is in his gloating glory as the Chiefs attempt a three-peat. Daily News Jets beat reporter Antwan Staley is on to discuss the keys to the game, the Jets hiring Aaron Glenn and The Bachelor season premiere (obviously). Also, Laura breaks down the Pete Alonso free agency situation and what it means for basebal…

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Episode 33. The Cardiac Commanders Ft. Charlotte Carroll(The Athletic) 1:13:00

3M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Are they...being civil? Cole and Laura discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a Bills/Chiefs matchup and almost get through it without arguing. Laura goes into enemy territory to watch the Chiefs beat the Texans. The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll is on to talk about Giants fans' worst nightmare: A Commanders/Eagles NFC Championship game. Also: Are …

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Episode 32. The Doink of Destiny. Ft. Tom Rock(Newsday) 1:27:04

3M ago1:27:04

1:27:04

Cole and Laura are in a football fugue state after the Wild Card round, Sam Darnold is seeing ghosts, and Jayden Daniels is making everyone a believer. They talk to Newsday national football columnist Tom Rock about the upcoming divisional round. Who has the best chance at an upset? What's his Super Bowl matchup prediction? And what's up with Tom B…

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Episode 31. Survive to '25. Ft. Mike Vaccaro(NY POST) 1:20:37

4M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

That's a wrap on the NFL regular season and it's time for Bold Wild Card Round Predictions. Laura has to make a Sophie's Choice between her two favorite quarterbacks, while Cole makes one pick out of spite alone. Award-winning NY Post columnist Mike Vaccaro is on to talk about the absurdity of New York sports, the Giants future, Rex Ryan, and how t…

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Episode 30. Ghosts of Chiefs-mas past. Ft. Cole Critchell and Laura Albanese 56:46

4M ago56:46

56:46

It's the last episode of the year! And what better way to spend it than ranking holiday movies? Cole talks Die Hard and somehow doesn't bust out the Hans Gruber accent. Home Alone 2 is a Tim Curry tour de force and Laura thinks While You Were Sleeping doesn't get the respect it deserves. Also, we need to discuss Dylan McDermott's impeccable knitwea…

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Episode 29. Winter Wonderland Meetings Ft. Abbey Mastracco (Dailey News) 1:49:59

5M ago1:49:59

1:49:59

Juan Soto is a Met, and everything is chaos. Cole and Laura chat it up with the Daily News' Abbey Mastracco from MLB's Winter Meetings, where it all went down. What does it mean for baseball? What does it mean for small-market teams? And is Pete Alonso coming back to the Mets? It'sNFL Week 14 and Laura still thinks the Chiefs are frauds. Cole is re…

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Episode 28. A Face For Radio Ft. Roberto Abramowitz (ESP Jets Radio, NFL, CBS, NYCFC) 1:19:02

5M ago1:19:02

1:19:02

Are you ready for some futbol (American and otherwise?). Cole and Laura talk to Roberto Abramowitz, the Spanish language voice for NY Jets radio, the NFL on CBS and NYCFC about the football season, the brutal end to NYCFC's season, and what it's like to dub HBO shows like "Hard Knocks" and "24/7". The Chiefs somehow won again and Cole is in full gl…

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Episode 27. Talking Turkey & Talking Hockey Ft. Dan Rosen (NHL.Com) 1:19:00

5M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Hockey season is here and who better to take us through the season, the NHL's growth efforts, and the Blues firing their head coach than Dan Rosen, senior writer for NHL.com? Cole and Laura go through some Week 13 NFL action, including the Har-Bowl (tm) and Saquon Barkley rubbing salt in the Giants' wounds. Plus, the Thanksgiving side dish hierarch…

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Episode 26. Nothing Happens Ft. Stephen Haynes (Poughkeepsie Journal) 1:15:38

5M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Wait til next year (or every year until you die). The Giants and Jets are in no-man's land, meaning we're already looking at the 2025 NFL draft with football guru and Poughkeepsie Journal sports reporter Stephen Haynes. Cole is in mourning after the Chief's first loss of the season and Laura...very much is not. Plus: Other Week 11 action and the le…

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Die Giants Die FT. Neil Best (Newsday / Sportswatch) 1:18:08

6M ago1:18:08

1:18:08

That's German for 'The Giants The'. Guten tag! The pod goes international as Cole and Laura talk Giants football and the international NFL games with Newsday's Neil Best, who was in Munich this week. The Chiefs are 9-0 but will their matchup against the Bills be too much to handle? We've got all the Week 10 action here, plus Golden Bachelorette, ph…

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Episode 24. Last Exit to Springfield Ft. Jerry Beach (Field Level Media, Forbes, AP) 1:25:47

6M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

Cole and Laura discuss if anyone in the NFC can topple the Lions. They chat with Jerry Beach, who covers MLB and NHL for Field Level Media, AP and Forbes, for a World Series post mortem and discuss if the Islanders have a chance of surviving their barrage of injuries. Most importantly, we get Jerry's definitive Treehouse of Horror rankings as every…

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Episode 23. Start Spreading the Lose Ft. Rob Bradford (Baseball Isn't Boring) 1:24:37

6M ago1:24:37

1:24:37

Who's getting Juan Soto?! Cole and Laura talk to "Baseball Isn't Boring" host and Red Sox reporter Rob Bradford about this World Series and the OTHER World Series happening this offseason. There's a pretty strong consensus on where Soto likely will sign. Can smaller-market teams even compete in the age of superstars? They go into Week 8 NFL action,…

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Episode 22. The Triple Dipper Ft. Rustin Dodd (The Athletic & Quarterback Kingdom author) 1:10:49

6M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

The drought is over. After 28 years, the Liberty have finally won their first WNBA title, and Cole and Laura discuss the bonkers Game 5. They chat all things Chiefs with Rustin Dodd, reporter for The Athletic and author of Kingdom Quarterback. Plus: The Bills are clicking, the World Series as set, and there is only one correct Chili’s order. Downlo…

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Episode 21. Subway Series, Seriously? Ft. Bryan Hoch (Yankees beat reporter/MLB.com) 1:21:17

7M ago1:21:17

1:21:17

Are the Yankees…unbeatable? Cole and Laura talk with MLB.com Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch about the ALCS and why the Yankees look so good right now and whether Aaron Judge will break out of his career long playoff slump. Before that, they get into some Week 6 NFL talk. Davante Adams is a Jet and the AFC East is about to get very interesting (ev…

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Episode 20. See Yah, Saleh! Ft. Anthony DiComo (MLB.Com/Mets beat writer) 1:11:38

7M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

This is the most exciting MLB postseason in recent memory and Cole and Laura are so here for it. MLB.com Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo stops by ahead of NLDS Game 3 to talk about the Mets World Series hopes, whether we should be worried about Edwin Diaz and…is that Dark Brandon Nimmo? Cole and Laura live react to the Jets firing Robert Saleh and …

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Episode 19. It's CHILI SZN! Ft. Joe Yerdon (Bleacher Report / NHL Writer) 1:11:15

7M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Feel that nip in the air? No? Well use your imagination because it’s October, baby, and that means playoff baseball, hockey on the horizon, and football in swing. Cole and Laura talk all things NHL with Bleacher Report’s Joe Yerdon, who expertly previews the season. Joe and Laura also try to convert Cole to the magic of Shoresy. Plus: Sam Darnold, …

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Episode 18. One Last Call Ft. Howie Rose (The voice of the New York Mets) 1:22:22

7M ago1:22:22

1:22:22

Is that...is that October magic?! Cole and Laura talk to Mets play by play announcer/legend Howie Rose about this ridiculous baseball season, calling big moments in real time, and what the playoffs might bring. Cole is excited about the Chiefs. Laura is resigned to them winning another Super Bowl (featuring other Week 3 action: The Red Rifle is roc…

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Episode 17. Happy (Meal) Ever After. Ft. Lizanne Murphy (Canadian Olympic Athlete) 1:17:36

7M ago1:17:36

1:17:36

Laura and Cole go through Laura's DMs to see the hilarious, the cringey, and the VERY ugly parts of being a female sports reporter. She got some help from her friends, though, as women across sports media peel back the curtain to show you what it's like. (Has a stranger ever proposed marriage to you? It's happened to Laura! More than once!)...Plus:…

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Episode 16. Does God Hate the Jets? Ft. Andy Vasquez (Jets beat writer/ NJ Advance Media) 1:14:27

8M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

Cole and Laura ponder that age-old question as they talk to Andy Vasquez, Jets beat writer for NJ Advance. Can Aaron Rodgers pull them out of this? What happened to the defense? They also break down some of the other big storylines in a very busy NFL Week 1, including the Chiefs, Bears, Bills and Lions games. Plus: Laura is horrified by the end of …

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Episode 15. 1000 Listeners! FT. Jennifer Williams (Fox 5 Sports) 1:11:04

8M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

Laura’s back after a week away from the pod and Cole is there to catch her up. New York has US Open fever, and Fox 5 sports reporter Jennifer Williams breaks down everything you need to know for the quarterfinals and beyond. Will the American men’s Open drought finally end?! Plus, Cole bullied Laura into watching Love is Blind: UK and it might even…

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Episode 14. The Aaron Rodgers Bowl! Ft. Nick Dais (Veterans Minimum Pod) 1:12:39

8M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

Laura is out of the country and left the keys to the kingdom to Cole and his neighborhood friend Anthony to fill in. What could go wrong!? The boys discuss the ethos of their NFL fandom Anthony (JETS) Cole (Chiefs). They are joined by guest Nick Dais of the Veterans Minimum Pod, producer of 'itiswhatitis_talk' pod, and Sirius XM affiliate, to talk …

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Episode 13. California TEAMIN' Ft. Bob Glauber (NFL Columnist, Writer, Author) 48:29

8M ago48:29

48:29

Are you ready for some football?! The NFL preseason is underway and Cole and Laura are getting hyped up with the help of Bob Glauber, author, 37-year NFL columnist and recipient of the Pro Football Writers of America's lifetime achievement award. They break down the big storylines to watch this season, which teams could surprise you, and whether th…

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Episode 12. Olympic Withdrawal FT. Jackie Powell (The Next) 57:51

9M ago57:51

57:51

Cole and Laura have post-Olympics depression - but that doesn't mean they can't relive USA Men's basketball's epic march toward gold. Plus, they have to talk about the Breakdancer Heard 'Round the World, right? They chat with Jackie Powell, a freelance women's basketball writer for The Next, Yahoo Sports and MSNBC. The women won gold, but the inter…

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Episode 11. We're going streaking! (White Sox) Ft. Evan Drellich (The Athletic) 49:29

9M ago49:29

49:29

The one where Laura gets stranded. Cole and Laura discuss Laura's 24-hour nightmare journey to get to St. Louis for a Mets game and then experiencing the...uh...unique local cuisine. Cole laments the state of the Cardinals. They welcome Evan Drellich, senior writer for The Athletic, who talks about the White Sox losing streak, the future of basebal…

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Episode 10. USA All the way! Ft. Dan Abrams (Athlete Logos) 54:14

9M ago54:14

54:14

Cole and Laura dive into the MLB trade deadline madness and what it means for the rest of the season. They talk to Dan Abrams, the graphic artist behind the wildly popular Athlete Logos, about the highs and lows of fandom, and creating the designs that have come to define the Mets. Plus: Cole goes into Mighty Ducks lore, Laura is a little bit in lo…

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Episode 9. Gold Jerry, Gold. FT Mike Gavin 1:00:23

9M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

The Olympics are coming and the plotlines are juicy this year. Cole is a patriotic fan and Laura is...not. They talk to NBC Sports and Entertainment reporter Mike Gavin about U.S. Men's and Women's basketball, the return of Simone Biles, track and field drama and Seinfeld. The duo discuss the best Olympic movies, whether The Cutting Edge is a deep …

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Episode 8. 500 Milestone! Ft. Howard Megdal 55:09

10M ago55:09

55:09

We've reached 500 listeners! You know what that means: Cole and Laura wade into the dark waters of Laura's DMs, and this one's a doozy. They talk WNBA with Howard Megdal, founder and editor-in-chief of The Next, a top-line women's basketball site, and author of the book Rare Gems. So, is this the Liberty's year? Plus! Home Run Derby, National Anthe…

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Episode 7. The Furries ft. Dylan Butler 54:56

10M ago54:56

54:56

So what’s the deal with Furries anyway? Mets go to Pittsburgh during FurryCon and Cole and Laura get the tea on all animal-related drama. (Furries! They’re just like us!) Plus, are the Yankees broken? The Cardinals are on the upswing and the All Star game isn’t. We also tap MLSSoccer.com editor Dylan Butler, who’s got the scoop on the Copa/Euro tou…

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Episode 6. A loaded 4th of July episode FT. Abbey Mastracco & Sean Martin. 1:19:42

10M ago1:19:42

1:19:42

Cole and Laura come through with a jam-packed episode ahead of the long weekend. The U.S. men’s national team celebrates our country’s independence by choking in the Copa America group stage. They talk WNBA and bring in not one but two guests! Abbey Mastracco, Mets beat reporter for the Daily News, breaks down buyers and sellers at the deadline and…

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Episode 5. All this way for nothing ft. Glenn Crooks 1:13:44

10M ago1:13:44

1:13:44

Cole comes back from LA very tired and Laura makes some friends watching the Stanley Cup at a house warming party. The duo recap the Stanley Cup game 7, talk the latest in the WNBA, MLB, before chatting with guest Glenn Crooks, play-by-play voice of NYCFC, who breaks down the Copa, Euros, and current state of the MLS! Download, like, and subscribe!…

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Episode 4. Hot Grimace Summer Ft. Andrew Gross 1:18:06

10M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

Cole and Laura say goodbye to the NBA season and have very strong thoughts about Caitlin Clark and the WNBA. Also, are the Grimace Mets winning the World Series? Stick around for an interview with NHL writer Andrew Gross, who talks Stanley Cup and (possibly?) being the reason Sean Avery called Martin Brodeur a fatso. Finally, we wrap with very impo…

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Episode 3. Ka Kaw is NOT the law ft. Evan Barnes 1:05:39

11M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Cole and Laura discuss the devastating battlehawks loss, cricket, MLB, the Stanley Cup finals, and we have a guest! Nets beat reporter for NewsdaySports Evan Barns (@evan_b) joins the pods to discuss the NBA finals. Follow the pod on social @FTLLTC @AlbaneseLaura @coleslawcritch Yell at us Follow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/FTLLTC Instagram: htt…

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Episode 2. Minnesota, the city of champions 50:32

11M ago50:32

50:32

Laura and Cole discuss the Caitlin Clark drama, the WPHL’s new champion, and MLB chaos. Also: High school chess (sure, why not?), Laura picks a UFL team, TacoBell's new Cheez-it crunch wrap review, and…cricket?! Bobblehead giveaways are around the corner, once we figure it out. Like, subscribe, leave a review. The madness has just begun Yell at us …

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Episode 1. Where is Noah Syndergaard? 1:08:05

11M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

Laura and Cole introduce themselves, talk about what the pod is about. We recap the latest in the NHL playoffs, NBA playoffs, MLB season, and even sprinkle in some UFL, WNBA, and some Steven Seagal references. Pilot episode. Enjoy! Yell at us Follow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/FTLLTC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftlltc_podcast?utm_source…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Laura Albanese / Cole Critchell Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen