The ESPN Daily podcast
Wake up to the best sports story you’ll hear all day. Monday through Friday, host Mina Kimes brings you an inside look at the most interesting stories at ESPN, as told by the top reporters and insiders on the planet, from the breaking news of SportsCenter to the deep dive storytelling of 30 for 30. Get the very best of ESPN — daily.
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The episode lineup is:
Dec. 5: Inside the NHL’s Alleged Head Coaching Abuses
After an NHL head coach got fired, an unexpected outpouring began – with players speaking out on alleged psychological and physical abuses, and also racist remarks from coaches. Given all that’s been aired, what’s next for the league? ESPN hockey writer Emily Kaplan joins Mina Kimes to break down the culture around the allegations, and what it all means for a sport trying to grow its fan base.
Dec. 4: The Dawn of Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is having an electric second season in the NBA. He’s even in the running for the MVP at just 20 years old. But what makes last season’s Rookie of the Year so dominant on the court – and why did the skeptics underestimate him? NBA Draft analyst Mike Schmitz joins Mina Kimes to examine Luka’s career so far, and what his ascent means for the rest of the NBA.
Dec. 3: Where Does Cam Newton Go From Here?
*NOTE: We recorded this episode before news broke that the Panthers are letting go of head coach Ron Rivera.*
Cam Newton’s season got put on hold following a foot injury this year, and now the quarterback’s future with the Carolina Panthers seems up in the air. But there are plenty of teams that could benefit from Newton’s unique blend of athleticism and leadership. ESPN Senior NFL Writer Jeremy Fowler joins Mina Kimes to explore Newton’s memorable football life and what the Panthers could gain or lose without him.
Dec. 2: Is Tom Brady Slipping? And Who Even Wants to Win the NFC East?
After the Texans upset the Patriots we have to ask (again): is it real this time? Is Tom Brady slipping? Host Mina Kimes and ESPN Senior Football Writer Bill Barnwell turn to the numbers for answers. Then, after the Eagles fell to the Dolphins and the Cowboys lost to the Bills, another pressing question: does any team really want to win the NFC East?
Nov. 29: College Football Rivalry Week + “Behold the NHL Dentist” Replay
It’s Rivalry Week in the world of college football! Mina Kimes discusses the unique nature of the bowl system – more than 30 games and we haven’t even reached the peak ones. Then: a replay of our story where we enter the world of NHL dentists – the brave heroes who attempt to put hockey players’ notorious grins back together. ESPN writer Dave Fleming takes Mina on a gory, grueling journey of mouth molds, chiclets, emergency surgery and more tales of dental hockey horror.
Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Special: NFL Turkey Day Preview + “The Great NBA Heist” Replay
Thanksgiving Day NFL games are a tradition unto themselves. Mina Kimes previews the matchups and offers a special appreciation for…Frank Gore. The Buffalo Bills running back just passed Barry Sanders for third in the all-time rushing yards record. Then: it was the perfect crime, and a rising star executive with the Sacramento Kings almost got away with it. ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz explains how an up-and-coming NBA sales guy defrauded the team out of $13 million – and how he got caught by an unlikely sleuth.
Nov. 27: Drop the Gloves? Hockey Fighting Hits Historic Lows
NHL hockey is notorious for gnarly fights on the ice. But we’re seeing those brawls less and less. ESPN NHL insider Greg Wyshynski joins Mina Kimes to tell you why fewer players are dropping the gloves, how the game itself is moving toward a different style of play, and what that means for the future of the sport.
Nov. 26: Hilinski’s Hope: One Family’s Football Story
University of South Carolina quarterback Ryan Hilinski has been one of college football’s biggest surprises this season. But as Ryan sees success, the family continues to mourn the loss of the older brother, Tyler — also a college quarterback, for Washington State — who died by suicide in 2018. ESPN’s Jen Lada shares her extensive interviews with the Hilinskis for E:60, documenting the family’s tough decisions about football, and their path to hope.
Nov 25: Stop and Go: 49ers Rebuild Defense and Lamar Jackson Seems Unstoppable
The 49ers defense has the rest of the NFC on notice after a dominant win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. But how did SF’s defense get this good, this fast? ESPN NFL Insider Bill Barnwell joins the show to explain the Niners’ dynamic defense. Then – Mina and Bill try to answer a question that’s got the entire NFL scratching their heads, and that the LA Rams face on Monday Night Football: can Lamar Jackson be stopped?
Nov 22: Get a Grip! NFL QB Secrets to Handling the Pigskin
It seems so basic. And yet, it can reveal so much – how an NFL quarterback holds the ball. ESPN Senior Writer David Fleming talked to some of the league’s top signal callers to find out their preferences, their quirks, and the unique stories behind their grips.
Nov. 21: Beyond the Helmet Hit: Who is Myles Garrett?
After appealing his suspension for hitting Steelers QB Mason Rudolph in the head with his own helmet, Browns DE Myles Garrett awaits the NFL’s next decision. In extensive interviews done before this violent incident, ESPN’s Ryan Smith gained unprecedented insight into Myles Garrett’s personality and life off the field for a profile on E:60. Smith joins Mina Kimes for a closer look at Garrett, and the culture of aggression in the NFL.
Nov. 20: Stealing the Signs: How Allegations Against the Astros Could Change Baseball
Major League Baseball has promised a thorough investigation into the Astros’ stealing of pitching signs during their 2017 championship run, using a live video feed and…trash cans. At the owners meetings, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said there is no reason to expand the case to other teams at this time. But the scandal has raised big questions, and could change the game itself. ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan explores tough decisions for the league going forward.
Nov. 19: The Great NBA Heist: How One Man Stole Millions from the Sacramento Kings
It was the perfect crime: steal millions from the Sacramento Kings…to flip houses? Kevin Arnovitz joins Mina Kimes to explain how one up-and-coming basketball exec threw it all away while trying to pull off one of the boldest fraud schemes in NBA history – and how he almost got away with it.
Nov 18: NFL Monday: Kaepernick Works Out, Rivers Looks Ahead
Colin Kaepernick’s Saturday workout didn’t seem to get him or the NFL what they wanted. But it did put a fine point on the state of quarterbacks around the league. ESPN NFL expert Bill Barnwell breaks down the workout story, and what it means for Kaep and the teams. And, ahead of tonight’s game in Mexico City: what does Philip Rivers’ future look like with – or without – the Los Angeles Chargers? ESPN Chargers reporter Eric Williams joins Mina to examine Rivers’ role in the game… and his uniquely meme-able face.
Nov 15: Lamar vs. Deshaun: Dual-Threat Duel
On Sunday, we will see one of the most anticipated match-ups of the NFL season – Deshaun Watson taking on Lamar Jackson. The last time these QBs faced off, they were in college. Watson on his way to winning a national championship with Clemson. Jackson at Louisville, about to win the Heisman Trophy. Now they are NFL MVP candidates. Domonique Foxworth joins Mina Kimes to breakdown the Sunday showdown that features two of the league’s most exciting signal callers.
Nov. 14: Fantasy, Meet Reality: A Running Back Breaks Out, Then Disappears
When New England running back Jonas Gray took the field vs. the Indianapolis Colts five years ago, no one could have predicted the incredible outburst of scoring that would land him national attention, and even a magazine cover. Nor could anyone have predicted how quickly that success would disappear, through a series of mishaps. ESPN senior writer Liz Merrill tells Mina Kimes the story of an underdog, his big shot, and how players might always be one step away from glory – or obscurity – in the NFL.
Nov. 13: Rockets Have Liftoff? Harden, Westbrook, and Houston’s Offense
Tonight on ESPN, the Rockets – led by a reunited James Harden and Russell Westbrook – play host to the LA Clippers. But Houston’s superstars share a complex past, which they are hoping will lead to a mutually beneficial future. NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry joins Mina Kimes to explore how the Harden-Westbrook relationship will shape the Rockets’ season.
Nov. 12: The Price of Eligibility: An NBA Prospect, Penny Hardaway, and a Controversial NCAA Ruling
James Wiseman is considered a potential No. 1 pick in the NBA. But, as his University of Memphis team gets ready to play Oregon tonight, the focus is on whether Wiseman should be on the court at all. Late last week, the NCAA ruled him ineligible. ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas joins Mina Kimes to discuss Wiseman’s situation, the role his coach Penny Hardaway played, and what it all means for the rights of college athletes.
Nov 11: NFC Best? Rams Offense Struggles + Seahawks-Niners Rivalry Reignites
The NFC West is perhaps the most competitive division in the NFL. The 49ers are the only undefeated team in the NFL (8-0). The Seahawks (7-2) are led by Russell Wilson, having a MVP-candidate season. Then, there are the LA Rams. Just 9 months removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the Rams suffered another disappointing loss yesterday, this time in Pittsburgh, leaving them third in the NFC West. Bill Barnwell joins Mina Kimes to break down the Rams struggling offense. Then, ahead of Monday Night’s monster NFC West showdown, former Seahawks DE Cliff Avril goes inside Seattle’s rivalry with the 49ers.
Nov. 8: LSU @ Alabama: How the New Tigers Offense Is Upping the Rivalry’s Stakes
College football has a storied history of epic rivalries, and none bigger than LSU taking on Alabama. The two powerhouses face-off this Saturday, and the stakes have never been higher. ESPN reporter Ryan McGee joins Mina Kimes to discuss how LSU’s newly developed high-powered offense could turn the tide and write the next chapter in this glorious SEC showdown.
Nov. 7: Slapshot, Meet Smile: Inside the Craziest Job in Sports – The NHL Dentist
Pucks to the mouth. Teeth flying to the ice. Hockey players aren’t known for their perfect smiles. But have you ever wondered who exactly comes to the rescue mid-game, after a player takes a slapshot to the teeth, and gets him back on the ice? Enter the world of NHL dentists – the brave heroes who put hockey players’ notorious grins back together. ESPN writer Dave Fleming takes Mina Kimes on a gory, grueling journey of mouth molds, chiclets, emergency surgery, and more tales of dental hockey horror.
Nov. 6: Golden State of Affairs: No Curry, No Klay. What’s Next?
In the modern NBA, the Golden State Warriors have been a dynasty. Appearing in five straight NBA Finals and winning three rings in that span, the team became the stuff of basketball legend. But this season, they’ve won just two games. And with star Steph Curry out with a broken hand, the Warriors’ fate has gone from bad to worse. But could a rough 2019-20 lead to more glory in the future? NBA reporter Nick Friedell joins Mina Kimes to explore what’s gone wrong with the Golden State Warriors so far, and why there might just be a silver lining.
Nov. 5: Cleveland Chaos: Baker Mayfield, OBJ and the Failing Browns
Another NFL weekend. Another Browns loss, accompanied by off-the-field headlines. This time, Jermaine Whitehead released after a series of threatening tweets. Cleveland’s season was not supposed to go this way. With the addition of OBJ, the team had high hopes going into 2019. But now, the Baker Mayfield-led Browns sit at just 2-6. How did they get here and where do they go now? Browns reporter Jake Trotter joins Mina Kimes to explore why Cleveland fell apart. Plus, Mina wants you to know why Michigan State may be for real this season, as the college basketball season tips off with tonight’s Champions Classic.
Nov. 4: NFL COVER 2: Ravens Trounce Patriots and Dak Prescott’s Big Payday
After Sunday’s packed NFL slate, ESPN insider Bill Barnwell joins Mina Kimes to discuss how Lamar Jackson and the Ravens handed Tom Brady and the Patriots their first loss of the season Sunday night. Then, as the Cowboys prepare for a Monday Night Football rematch against the New York Giants, Dallas reporter Todd Archer gives us the latest on quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract situation, explaining why Dak not signing prior to the season will lead to a bigger payday.
Nov. 1: UFC 244: Is Jorge Masvidal the Baddest Man in MMA?
Saturday night, Jorge Masvidal takes on Nate Diaz in UFC 244. Masvidal owns the record for fastest knockout in UFC history – five seconds – and got his start fighting in backyard brawls organized by Kimbo Slice. Now, he wants to be known as the baddest MF on the planet. After spending time with Masvidal in his hometown of Miami, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto talks with Mina Kimes about the man they call “Gamebred” and his rapid rise to superstardom.
Oct. 31: Champs and Chumps: Washington’s World Series Comeback and Life Inside Miami’s Tank
As World Champions, the Nationals are on top of the MLB – and on top of the world. ESPN’s Joon Lee breaks down how the Nats completed their epic finish. In contrast, the Miami Dolphins are down in the dumps. After getting off to an 0-7 start, their season has been branded as a “tank.” What’s it like to be a player on a team that’s not trying to win? Dolphins insider Cameron Wolfe explains life inside the tank.
Oct. 30: Kyrie, KD and Company: The Evolution of the New Brooklyn Nets
For the Brooklyn Nets, expectations have never been higher. As they tip off tonight against the Indiana Pacers, the mood in Barclays Center will be electric. They have a new power trio – Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan. After an offseason of cultural changes, ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan takes a deep dive into Brooklyn’s incredible franchise turnaround and the team’s future.
Oct. 29: Not Your Average Robo-Call: Why the MLB Needs an Electronic Umpire System
The World Series is back in Houston for Game 6 tonight, but fans are still talking about a controversial strike call from Sunday’s Game 5. The call could have cost the Washington Nationals – big time. MLB insider Jeff Passan makes the case for the electronic umpire system and what it could mean for the future of baseball.
Oct. 28: A Glowing Bill of Health: Belichick’s NFL Coaching Legacy
Bill Belichick is considered by many to be the greatest NFL coach of all time. On Sunday, he won his 300th game. So how did Belichick become the standard of excellence in the NFL? ESPN’s Bill Barnwell joins Mina to discuss the Patriots’ dominant win over the Browns. Then, Senior Writer Ian O’Connor – who wrote the book on the Patriots’ coach – takes a deep dive into Belichick’s football legacy and where he goes from here.
Oct. 25: #Natitude: DC’s Meteoric Rise to the World Series
The Washington Nationals are back in D.C. for Game 3 tonight, and they are on the verge of making history. Up 2-0 in the Series, the Nats have a chance to bring a baseball championship home for the first time since 1924. But how did they get here – especially considering their early-season slump? ESPN Senior Writer Tim Kurkjian explores the Nats’ journey, how they handled the departure of their star Bryce Harper, their mid-season turnaround, and of course – “Baby Shark.”
Oct. 24: “Thank God We Got Osuna!” What One Incident Reveals About the Culture of the Houston Astros
Things have not been going well for the Houston Astros in the World Series. They are down 0-2 – but all the talk has been about how they are handling a team’s executive’s taunting of reporters over a domestic violence issue. Baseball insider Jeff Passan explains what’s really going on, and how this incident reveals much bigger truths about the Astros’ culture. Could their insatiable hunger to win cost them more than a championship?
Oct. 23: From Three? Ben Simmons’ Woes from Behind the Arc
76ers star Ben Simmons’ lack of a 3 point shot has other teams around the league daring him to shoot. But if he turns his struggle into success – what will it mean for Philadelphia’s season going forward? Mina Kimes and Tim Bontemps tap into what it will take for Simmons to tackle his white whale.
Oct. 22: King James vs. Kawhi: How LA’s New Neighbors Ignited the NBA’s Hottest Rivalry
As the NBA tips off tonight, all eyes turn to the Staples Center in LA. Lakers versus Clippers. LeBron versus Kawhi. Two superstars that could’ve ended up on the same team, now battling each other for league dominance. Basketball insider Ramona Shelburne breaks down this new rivalry and its implications for LA’s sports scene – and basketball at large.
Oct. 21: Season Saved: Can the Cowboys keep Jerry Jones’ dream alive?
It was do-or-die for Dallas last night, and the Cowboys decided to do. Big time. But a win over Philadelphia might not be the turning point everyone assumes it is. Have the Cowboys really saved their season — and Jason Garrett’s head-coaching job — in the process? Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Don Van Natta explains, reminding us that Dallas’ owner and GM is Jerry Jones.
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