Podcast Summary: Bellied Up – "The Most Disrespected Sport #158"

Episode Details

• Title: The Most Disrespected Sport #158
• Hosts: You Betcha Guy (Myles) & Charlie Berens
• Release Date: July 2, 2025
• Location: CJ's Tavern, Fargo, North Dakota

Introduction: Exploring Satisfaction

The episode kicks off with hosts Myles and Charlie delving into the theme of satisfaction. Charlie shares a personal anecdote about finding satisfaction in observing the intricate art on passing train cars while fly fishing.

Notable Quote:

Charlie: "The art on these train cars was phenomenal throughout the United States. They create this traveling art show, if you will." (01:37)

Myles highlights the need for artists to gain recognition, sparking a playful discussion about using modern technology like GPS trackers and AirTags to turn trains into moving art exhibits.

Main Topic 1: Bowling – The Most Disrespected Sport

The conversation shifts to bowling, prompted by a caller named Curtis who passionately argues that bowling deserves recognition as a legitimate sport, possibly even gaining Olympic status.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Olympic Inclusion:

   • Curtis emphasizes that bowling is a competitive and skillful activity deserving Olympic recognition.
   • Hosts agree that bowling's absence from the Olympics is unjust, comparing it to sports like rowing and judo.

2. Enhancing Bowling's Appeal:

   • Influencers and Marketing:
     • The hosts suggest finding a charismatic bowler akin to golf's Bryson DeChambeau to popularize the sport.
     • Discussions include developing catchy taglines and creating engaging social media content.
   • Innovative Equipment and Presentation:
     • Ideas such as integrating cameras throughout the bowling lanes to capture dynamic action shots.
     • Revamping bowling alley aesthetics with athleisure wear, sleek shoes, and interactive fan zones.

Notable Quotes:

Curtis: "I think bowling is the most disrespected sport. It is not in the Olympics, which is another thing I'm very upset about." (10:03)

Charlie: "If the Olympics can have rowing as a sport, then they can have bowling as a sport." (11:04)

Myles: "We need a bowling YouTuber to really take off." (19:03)

Main Topic 2: Cornhole – Elevating a Growing Sport

The episode transitions to another caller, Curtis, a 17-year-old professional cornhole player from Misericordia University. The discussion explores the competitive nature of cornhole and its potential inclusion in major sporting events.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Competitive Scene:

   • Curtis shares his journey in cornhole, highlighting tournaments, sponsorships, and his aspirations.
   • The hosts express admiration for Cornhole's strategic depth and competitive spirit.

2. Challenges and Opportunities:

   • Olympic Ambitions:
     • Similar to bowling, cornhole faces hurdles in gaining Olympic acceptance, primarily due to its association with alcohol consumption during competitions.
   • Community and Culture:
     • The hosts joke about the intense and sometimes contentious interactions within the cornhole community, including trash-talking and competition-related tensions.

3. Improving the Game:

   • Skill Enhancement:
     • Curtis provides tips on improving cornhole techniques, emphasizing consistent follow-through and proper stance.
   • Marketing and Visibility:
     • Suggestions include leveraging social media, developing unique catchphrases, and creating engaging content to attract a broader audience.

Notable Quotes:

Curtis: "I'm trying to make bowling an Olympic sport. People will be talking about it." (14:42)

Myles: "Like Bryson DeChambeau in golf, we need a loudmouth to get people to pay attention." (19:03)

Curtis: "It's pretty good for me just being 17." (43:56)

Interactive Segment: Listener Engagement and Q&A

Throughout the episode, Myles and Charlie engage enthusiastically with their callers, offering humorous and insightful responses. They brainstorm creative ways to elevate both bowling and cornhole, intertwining comedy with genuine suggestions for sports enhancement.

Notable Interaction:

Charlie: "Put that in your pin and smoke it." (16:29)

Curtis: "I have a TikTok page going, but I'm still figuring out the catchphrase." (28:35)

Closing Thoughts: The Future of Bowling and Cornhole

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the discussed ideas, emphasizing the importance of passion and creativity in transforming these sports' landscapes. They encourage listeners to support and engage with these communities to help achieve greater recognition and inclusion in mainstream sporting events.

Notable Quote:

Charlie: "We need a guy like you to be pushing with the passion and the charisma to push bowling to the next level." (28:24)

Conclusion

Episode #158 of Bellied Up masterfully blends comedy with earnest discussions on elevating underappreciated sports like bowling and cornhole. Through engaging anecdotes, creative brainstorming, and interactive listener segments, Myles and Charlie not only entertain but also inspire listeners to rethink and support the potential of these beloved Midwest staples.

Timestamp References:

• 01:37 - Charlie on train car art
• 10:03 - Curtis on bowling being a disrespected sport
• 11:04 - Charlie on Olympic inclusion
• 19:03 - Myles on needing a bowling YouTuber
• 14:42 - Curtis on Olympic aspirations
• 19:03 - Myles on Bryson DeChambeau analogy
• 43:56 - Curtis on his cornhole achievements
• 16:29 - Charlie's humorous tagline suggestion
• 28:24 - Charlie encouraging Curtis to elevate bowling

Note: Not all timestamps are hyperlinked but are referenced for clarity.