Spolitics

Spolitics

By iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice

SPOLITICS is where we don’t just stick to sports, but examine the world and all of its complexities through the lens of sports. Each week, this podcast will enthusiastically explore the intersection between sports, race, gender, sexuality and culture. In this narrative-style podcast, expect sharp commentary, novel conversations, and compelling guests that will drive nuanced sports conversations that drive culture.

Episodes

Ep 17: The Politics of Healthy Arrogance

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele shares the story of Bill Nunn, the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers scout who was the architect of the Steelers infamous “Steel Curtain” defense, which led to Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowls. Jemele also has a conversation with mega producer Will Packer, who talks about his new book, “Who Better Than You: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big,” and how he became a minority owner in the Atlanta Falcons. Will discusses his relationship with star actor and comedian Kevin Hart, and the secret behind them making blockbuster films together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/02/2554m 12s

Ep 16: The Politics of Creating Your Own Lane

On this week's opening filibuster, Jemele shares the inspiring story of Rose Robinson, who is believed to be the first Black athlete to protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. Jemele is joined by social media influencer Josiah Johnson, who also is host and executive producer of Gil’s Arena, the digital basketball show that stars former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. Josiah shares how he built his influential social media brand, and gives advice to other influencers and content creators seeking to follow in his footsteps. Josiah reveals what it was like being the son of L.A. hoops legend, Marques Johnson, who also is known for his comedic role in White Men Can’t Jump. Josiah also addresses some hot NBA topics, including Jimmy Butler’s beef with the Miami Heat and NBA commissioner Adam Silver floating the idea of 10-minute quarters. Finally, Jemele addresses a fan who asks what other content she’d like to see for women in the sports media space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/02/251h 10m

BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Super Bowl LIX

Jemele is joined by journalist Carron J. Phillips to discuss the Eagles dominating win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl, the overall political themes, if the Eagles are on the verge of dynasty, and a breakdown of Kendrick Lamar’s performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/02/2549m 43s

Ep 15: The Politics of A Second Wind

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele explains how the Super Bowl halftime show became so popular. Jemele is joined by Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones, who discuss her appearance this season on FOX's reality competition show, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Jones explains the grueling physical and mental rigors she went through on the show, which chronicles 16 celebrities across sports, pop culture and social media as they try to survive a series of demanding training exercises led by a team of ex-Special Forces operatives. Jones shares what she learned about herself on the show, the reason she’s decided to compete in a triathlon in the late spring, and she reflects on the doping scandal that destroyed her Olympic career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/02/251h 7m

Ep 14: The Politics of Perseverance

This week in Jemele’s opening filibuster, Jemele addresses whether the NFL’s Rooney Rule — their version of DEI for coaches and front office personnel — should be abolished. Her guest this week is tennis pro Taylor Townsend, who recently won the Australian Open doubles championship. Taylor shares what prompted her to begin a tennis career, how she navigated some of the early obstacles in her career, which included being body shamed. Taylor also explains how she juggles motherhood and professional tennis, and the ups and down that come along with financing her tennis career. In the final segment, Jemele answers a question from social media about rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg performing during Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/01/251h 9m

Ep 13: The Politics of Laughter

This week, Jemele answers some of her critics over an old tweet about Caitlin Clark in her opening filibuster. Jemele is joined by actor and comedian Ryan Davis, who is co-hosting a comedy series on Vice with Chris Spencer and Tiffany Haddish called “Black Comedy in America” that includes blockbuster interviews with Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Steve Harvey. Ryan reveals his comedic inspirations, and his thoughts on Andrew Schulz-Kendrick Lamar beef. Ryan also tells the story of his own beef with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Jemele finishes the episode by answering an audience question about whether we can expect to see more sports teams visit the White House after winning championships now that Donald Trump has returned to office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/01/251h 29m

Ep 12: The Politics of Athlete Empowerment

This week, Jemele’s opening filibuster focuses on the origin story on how the NCAA came to be one of the most powerful and lucrative organizations in sports. Jemele is joined by attorney Paul McDonald, co-lead counsel for college athletes plaintiffs in the Johnson vs NCAA lawsuit, which, if successful, would force college and universities to classify college players as employees. McDonald explains the core thesis behind the athletes’ case, and shares how the NCAA is using the controversial, so-called “slavery loophole” in the 13th Amendment of the Constitution as a defense. Jemele also closes out the episode with thoughts on the devastating fires in Los Angeles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/01/2553m 48s

Ep 11: The Politics of Fandom

This week, Jemele’s “The Filibuster” focuses on the NFL MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Then, CNN anchor and rabid Philadelphia sports fan Jake Tapper joins Jemele to discuss the state of sports in Philly. Tapper takes Jemele through the origin and evolution of his superstitious Philly fandom, and he shares a special message for Joel Embiid. Jemele also presses Tapper on whether he enjoyed witnessing the Eagles win the Super Bowl more than his wedding. Finally, Jemele answers an audience question about the disapproval of Heisman winner Travis Hunter’s romantic relationship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/01/2548m 38s

ANNOUCEMENT

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/01/2553s

Ep 10: The Politics of Diplomacy

This week, Jemele's "The Filibuster" explains the fine line between sports diplomacy and sportswashing. Then, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove joins Jemele to offer her firsthand perspective on using sports for positive political gain. Jemele and Rep. Kamlager-Dove discuss the Department of Government Efficiency, and Rep. Kamlager-Dove offers her opinion on how Trump's stance on immigration contrasts with her goals for sports diplomacy. Jemele and Rep. Kamlager-Dove also forecast the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Finally, Jemele answers an audience question about tax subsidies in sports ownership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/12/2447m 59s

Ep 09: The Politics of Fighting

On this week's "The Filibuster,” Jemele shares her thoughts on Caitlin Clark winning TIME's Athlete of the Year 2024. Then, Olympic gold medalist and world champion boxer Claressa Shields joins Jemele to discuss her biopic “The Fire Inside,” what she thought of actor Ryan Destiny's portrayal of her, which people in her life didn’t particularly like their portrayals, and why it was important to showcase her hometown of Flint, Michigan. Shields also reflects on fighting for pay equity. Plus, Jemele asks Shields about her recent online conflict with rapper Remy Ma.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/12/241h 8m

BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Capitalism and Oppression

In this special bonus episode, Jemele and John Hope Bryant discuss whether capitalism mimics oppression. John explains his belief in Black people as the world's moral compass, breaks down the difference between good and bad capitalism, and declares Jay-Z's "4:44" to be "a financial literacy album." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/12/2413m 24s

Ep 08: The Politics of Money

Jemele spends "The Filibuster" exploring athletes' volatile relationship with financial literacy. Then, Jemele welcomes the foremost expert on financial literacy. John Hope Bryant, the author of "Financial Literacy for All" and CEO, Chairman and Founder of Operation HOPE.  Bryant explains why he believes financial literacy is this generation's civil rights issue. John and Jemele also go back and forth whether Michael Jordan should have sold his controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets. John also gives his thoughts on why athletes disproportionately file for bankruptcy, why more Americans have invested in sports gambling than the stock market, and if athletes should begin converting their salary to Bitcoin. Lastly, Jemele addresses a question from a listener who wants to know why she supported Vice President Kamala Harris despite her being “unqualified" to be the next US President.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/241h 16m

Ep 07: The Politics of Conflict

This week's "The Filibuster" focuses on the ongoing war in Gaza and challenges why it seems impossible to discuss without someone being labeled as an anti-Semite and a terrorist sympathizer. Jewish Currents editor-at-large, CUNY professor, and MSNBC analyst Peter Beinart and Jewish sports journalist Eric Adelson both offer their expertise. Then, former Olympic fencer and New York Times best-selling author Ibtihaj Muhammad joins Jemele. Ibtihaj connects her experience as the first-ever Muslim American Olympian to wear a hijab to her continued purpose as an activist. Ibtihaj shares her pro-Palestinian beliefs and why she remains undeterred by the backlash she's received. As always, Jemele answers a listener question — this time, from someone who wants to know how athletes can balance making their political opinions while facing limitations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/12/241h 7m

BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of A Second Trump Presidential Term

In this special bonus episode, Jemele reacts to Donald Trump winning the 2024 US presidential election and breaks down what ramifications a second Trump term will have on the sports world. Jemele projects what may happen to Title IX, given Trump's desire to dissolve the Department of Education, and how Trump and the re-election of Texas Senator Ted Cruz could impact college athletes' continued fight against the NCAA to earn employee status. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/11/2425m 42s

Ep 06: The Politics of American Basketball

Jemele's "The Filibuster" draws attention to the mounting gap between American and European basketball. North Carolina Central University head men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton relays the changes he's seen in how young American hoopers are developed. Then, Jemele is joined by Craig Robinson, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, co-host of Ways to Win with John Calipari, and older brother to Michelle Obama. Craig reminisces on Michelle pushing him to be a better athlete, his development as a basketball player, and his unconventional transition into coaching. Craig also shares his experience with being unfairly fired and his thoughts on whether NIL harms the culture around American basketball. Finally, Jemele addresses a reader who wants to know why Black athletes aren’t as politically and socially active as they were during the Civil Rights era.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/11/241h 29m

Ep 05: The Politics of Worth

Jemele uses this week’s “The Filibuster” to give a state of the union on player unions. Jemele is later joined by WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson, who explains why WNBA players opted out of their current collective bargaining agreement. Terri also reflects on the 2024 WNBA season and the evolution of women's sports being seen as a viable business. She also touches on her son, Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., following her in union footsteps and potential future in politics. Lastly, Jemele taps in Louisianan activist Gary Chambers Jr. to answer a listener question about poor voter turnout in his state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/11/241h 13m

Ep 04: The Politics of Investing in Women’s Sports

Jemele uses this week's "The Filibuster" to show decades' worth of receipts on women's sports being a viable investment. With the help of Jane McManus, an adjunct NYU professor, columnist, and author of The Fast Track, she explains why this year's women's sports boom can be sustained. Then, 776 founder and serial entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian Sr. joins Jemele. Alexis reflects on co-founding Reddit and how he translated the disruptive techniques he learned from tech into investing in Angel City FC and creating ATHLOS NYC. Alexis forecasts whether his daughters will become professional athletes under the guidance of his wife and tennis G.O.A..T., Serena Williams. He also playfully shares everything he does better than Serena. Finally, Jemele answers a listener question about covering sports as a woman in this MAGA climate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/11/241h 19m

Ep 03: The Politics of Black Male Voters

For this week's "The Filibuster," Jemele digs into Black male voters' role in the upcoming presidential election — and calls out Black male athletes voicing support for Donald Trump. Respected journalist and political pundit Roland Martin, who hosts ROLAND MARTIN UNFILTERED, and Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II join Jemele to dive even deeper into why Black men are feeling disconnected from the Democratic Party. Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II also shares his story of growing into his unlikely political career, including how youth sports developed his unique leadership style and what he's learned about going out in the community to listen to citizens' frustrations. Also, a SPOLITICS listener asks Jemele: What was up with the San Francisco 49ers player who flashed a Make America Great Again hat on national television?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/10/2457m 48s

Ep 02: The Politics of WNBA Leadership

First, "The Filibuster" finds Jemele explaining the inextricable links between women in politics and women in sports, with help from Errin Haines, the editor-at-large for the 19th, a nonprofit newsroom that covers gender, politics and policy. Jemele poses a simple yet crucial question: What's a better direction for women — moving forward or going back? Then, Jemele is joined by Seattle Storm All-Star forward and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike. They assess how the media covered the WNBA this season and whether the W can maintain its activist DNA. Nneka explains her involvement with More Than A Vote and her connection to VP Kamala Harris. Jemele also asks Nneka a controversial question: Ghanaian or Nigerian jollof rice? Lastly, Jemele advises a listener on how to get into the media business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/10/241h 3m

Ep 01: The Politics of El Gusano

Jemele opens the premiere episode of SPOLITICS with "The Filibuster," explaining the state of the union between politics and sports — a history lesson and a wake-up call. Then, Jemele is joined by her former ESPN and current Meadowlark Media colleague Dan Le Batard, host of THE DAN LE BATARD SHOW. Dan and Jemele bond over their inability to "stick to sports." Dan explains how his Cuban heritage influenced his worldview and why American politics have disheartened him. Jemele and Dan also reminisce on their ESPN days and compare their experiences to Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith’s unprecedented power. Plus, find out the infamous figure who is responsible for Dan’s love of sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/10/241h 14m

Introducing: Spolitics

SPOLITICS is a weekly sports and politics podcast hosted by sports journalist Jemele Hill, produced by iHeart Podcasts and the Unbothered Network. On SPOLITICS, sports and politics not only mix, they matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/241m 19s
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