Casuals with Katie Nolan – September 30, 2025

Episode: "Apologies to the Lynx, Goodbye to the Mets, and Hello to Fat Bear Week"

Overview

In this lighthearted and irreverent episode of "Casuals," host Katie Nolan and her rotating cast (Isabella, Chris, and Brady) catch listeners up on the biggest sports stories of the week. They bounce from playoff heartbreaks in baseball and the WNBA, to the quirky glory of Fat Bear Week, and landmark moves in sports media. All the while, they keep the banter casual, supportive, and inclusive — perfectly tailored for sports fans and the sports-curious alike.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fat Bear Week: The Only Bracket That Matters (04:28–06:47)

Fat Bear Week Explained: Listener Laura emails about "Fat Bear Week," an annual online contest where people vote for the fattest hibernating bears in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Bears like "Chunky" (playing through injury) and the reigning champ "Grazer" are highlighted.
Hosts' Banter: The crew marvels at the concept, joke about volunteering as "fat bears," and riff on animal sports brackets.
Quote: "Is this real? There's no way this is real." – Katie Nolan (05:41)

2. Listener Mailbag: Bum Scrum & Sporting Lexicon (07:03–08:15)

International Suggestion: Chris from Amsterdam suggests renaming the NFL’s “Tush Push” play to "Bum Scrum" for Australian listeners, sparking a discussion about international slang.
Sports Culture: The talk morphs into rugby lingo, especially after England's win over Canada in the Rugby Women's World Cup (08:25–09:01).
Quote: "I do like bum scrum, though." – Chris (08:14)

3. WNBA Apologies & Accountability (09:33–12:35)

Brady’s On-Air Mea Culpa: Brady apologizes for checking out of a WNBA game at halftime, mistakenly declaring the Lynx victors before the Mercury staged a comeback.
Host’s Take: Katie gently ribbing Brady for “caveman brain” (11:51) and taking responsibility as host for the misstatements.
Quote: "I learned, in fact, sporting events can change their outcome after halftime." – Brady (10:11)

4. Super Bowl Halftime Reveal: Bad Bunny! (16:07–17:05)

Big News: Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in February. The team discusses fan and social media reactions, notably confusion about Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S.
Additional Appearances: Bad Bunny also set to host SNL soon.
Quote: "How are we still that dumb that people aren't—Puerto Rico is like, with us guys." – Katie Nolan (17:35)

5. Mourning the Mets & Baseball Playoff Picture (20:00–29:54)

Mets’ Collapse: Isabella and Katie share their disappointment as the Mets are ousted by the Marlins. Discussion of fan grief, bandwagoning, and the etiquette of rooting for other teams.
Celebration Controversy: Marlins taking a team photo after their win is debated; hosts agree it’s fine, Mets' booth being "butt hurt."
Notable Fan Moment: The Marlins “spoiling” the Mets' season draws Katie’s ire and jokes about baseball grief. "Playoff baseball is the best time of the year, Isabella." – Katie (22:06)
Astros Out, Guardians Win in Quirky Fashion: Guardians win to secure a playoff spot on a walk-off hit-by-pitch, knocking out the Astros.
Quote: "He called you a turd." – Katie, to Astros fans via Brady (26:21)

6. Cool Baseball Feats: Dumper Hits 60, Naylor Steals 30 (28:28–30:53)

Dumpertastic: The Mariners' catcher, affectionately dubbed “Dumper,” hits his 60th home run—a milestone even the crew doubted he’d hit.
Stats Anomalies: Josh Naylor, a slow-footed first baseman, steals 30 bases—“second percentile in sprint speed.”
Quote: "98% of all baseball players run faster than Josh Naylor. That's crazy." – Brady (30:23)

7. Baseball Broadcasts in Flux & Goodbye to Root Sports Northwest (33:28–36:41)

Regional Sports Upheaval: MLB takes over Root Sports Northwest from the Mariners, heralding a “shuttering” of local broadcasts and layoffs (including beloved sideline reporter Jen Mueller).
Industry Concern: Katie and Brady lament the loss of community and expertise, hope MLB’s streaming makes access better, not worse.
Quote: "These are human beings with relationships that go 20 years having their last broadcast together..." – Brady (34:57)

8. The Saga of the Homeless Athletics (Ball Sack, Anyone?) (37:00–39:17)

Jersey Changes: The Athletics will play in Sacramento as the "Sacramento Athletics" while awaiting relocation to Vegas, leading to the potential “Ball Sack” scoreboard when facing the Orioles.
Hosts’ Take: Sympathy for Oakland, branding oddities, and plenty of ball-related puns.
Quote: "We deserve that if nothing else." – Katie on the "Ball Sack" matchup (39:17)

9. Manager Merry-Go-Round & Giants' Next Move (39:17–41:21)

Firings: Giants part ways with Bob Melvin, Twins let go of Rocco Baldelli.
Speculation: Katie muses on the possibility of Bruce Bochy returning to the Giants.
Aging Leadership: Brief tangent on old coaches and crossover with other public figures, like Paul Finebaum potentially running for Senate.

10. WNBA Playoff Drama & Officiating Outrage (42:31–45:16)

Links Exit: Rehash of the playoff series where the Minnesota Lynx were hurt by a missed foul call, costing them their star and coach (Cheryl Reeve).
Mercury’s Run: Mercury beat both finalists from last year; Fever also forcing a decisive game.
Quote: "She said it was fucking malpractice... that that officiating crew was allowed to call that game the way they did." – Brady, on Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve (43:57)

11. Ryder Cup Chaos & Crowd Etiquette (45:16–48:35)

Golf Goes Wild: Ryder Cup marred by unruly U.S. fans, performer controversy, and even a beer thrown at Rory McIlroy’s wife.
American Fandom Dilemma: Katie compares rooting for flawed but home teams across sports.
Quote: "Golf loves to s its own D... and then people love the Ryder Cup because it’s about heckling." – Katie (47:31)

12. NFL Highlights: Injuries, Gaffes, and Gummy Game (48:35–60:39)

Key Storylines: Tyreek Hill’s devastating injury, Dolphins win, Lamar Jackson’s hamstring issue, Giants’ win with rookie QB Jackson Dart, and more.
Major Oops: Adonai Mitchell fumbles a surefire touchdown, possibly costing Colts the game.
Sideline Drama: Jaguars-Niners coaches’ verbal altercation: “Keep my name out your fucking mouth” vs. “I will your world up.” (58:48–58:53)
Giants Hire/Fire Updates: Cowboys-Packers end in a 40–40 overtime tie and management shenanigans discussed.
Quote: "I think last night... was the first sweatpants culottes versus sweatpants culottes matchup in NFL history." – Brady (51:25)

13. What to Watch This Week (60:39–61:52)

Chris’s Picks:
- US Open Cup Final (Nashville SC vs. Austin FC) – Soccer, Wed., Oct. 1, 8pm ET, Paramount+.
- NRL Rugby Grand Final (Melbourne Storm vs. Brisbane Broncos) – Rugby League, Sun., Oct. 5, 5:30am ET, watchnrl.com.
- Red Sox vs. Yankees – MLB, Tonight, 6:08pm ET, ESPN.

Notable Quotes

"Let's all calm down. Okay? Let's all calm down." – Katie Nolan (03:17)
"Fat bear week. Is this real? There's no way this is real." – Katie Nolan (05:41)
"98% of all baseball players run faster than Josh Naylor. That's crazy." – Brady (30:23)
"She said it was fucking malpractice…that that officiating crew was allowed to call that game the way they did." – Brady (43:57)
"Golf loves to s its own D… and then people love the Ryder cup because it’s about heckling." – Katie Nolan (47:31)
"That's gotta suck as an experience. Not ideal. But you did it. You went there and you did that. You should be proud of yourselves. I didn't do it. You'll never catch me doing it. I'm a big baby." – Katie Nolan (09:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

04:28 – Fat Bear Week Email & Bracket Breakdown
07:03 – The "Bum Scrum" & Rugby Chat
09:33 – WNBA Lynx Apology and Sports Accountability
16:07 – Super Bowl Halftime Show Announcement (Bad Bunny)
20:00 – Mets’ Playoff Exit, Marlins Celebration, and Fan Grief
28:28 – Dumper’s 60th HR & Naylor’s Stolen Base Feat
33:28 – Root Sports Northwest Signs Off
37:00 – The Homeless Athletics & Sacramento Jerseys
42:31 – WNBA: Lynx Playoff Officiating Outrage
45:16 – Ryder Cup Antics & American Sports Fandom
48:35 – NFL Highlights: Injuries, Mishaps, Gummy Tie
60:39 – What to Watch This Week

Memorable Moments

The team’s utter disbelief (and enthusiastic acceptance) of Fat Bear Week as a real sporting event. (04:41–06:47)
The on-air roast and redemption of Brady for bailing on the Lynx.
The “Ball Sack” scoreboard possibility (37:39–39:17), executed with perfectly immature glee.
Heartfelt moments over the end of regional sports broadcasts and tributes to local sports media figures.
Wild discussion of coach-against-coach NFL sideline smack talk—uncensored, unfiltered, and all the more hilarious for it. (58:48)

Tone & Language

Fully embracing Casuals’ signature blend of playful irreverence, warmth, and genuine fandom, the panel is quick with jokes, occasional gentle ribbing, pop-culture callbacks, and plenty of emotional sincerity. Quotes are left in their spontaneous, slightly profane form, true to the hosts' camaraderie and unfiltered passion for sports.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves their sports talk with humanity, heart, and a dash of utter goofiness.

Casuals with Katie Nolan – September 30, 2025

Episode: "Apologies to the Lynx, Goodbye to the Mets, and Hello to Fat Bear Week"

Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fat Bear Week: The Only Bracket That Matters (04:28–06:47)

Fat Bear Week Explained: Listener Laura emails about "Fat Bear Week," an annual online contest where people vote for the fattest hibernating bears in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Bears like "Chunky" (playing through injury) and the reigning champ "Grazer" are highlighted.
Hosts' Banter: The crew marvels at the concept, joke about volunteering as "fat bears," and riff on animal sports brackets.
Quote: "Is this real? There's no way this is real." – Katie Nolan (05:41)

2. Listener Mailbag: Bum Scrum & Sporting Lexicon (07:03–08:15)

International Suggestion: Chris from Amsterdam suggests renaming the NFL’s “Tush Push” play to "Bum Scrum" for Australian listeners, sparking a discussion about international slang.
Sports Culture: The talk morphs into rugby lingo, especially after England's win over Canada in the Rugby Women's World Cup (08:25–09:01).
Quote: "I do like bum scrum, though." – Chris (08:14)

3. WNBA Apologies & Accountability (09:33–12:35)

Brady’s On-Air Mea Culpa: Brady apologizes for checking out of a WNBA game at halftime, mistakenly declaring the Lynx victors before the Mercury staged a comeback.
Host’s Take: Katie gently ribbing Brady for “caveman brain” (11:51) and taking responsibility as host for the misstatements.
Quote: "I learned, in fact, sporting events can change their outcome after halftime." – Brady (10:11)

4. Super Bowl Halftime Reveal: Bad Bunny! (16:07–17:05)

Big News: Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in February. The team discusses fan and social media reactions, notably confusion about Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S.
Additional Appearances: Bad Bunny also set to host SNL soon.
Quote: "How are we still that dumb that people aren't—Puerto Rico is like, with us guys." – Katie Nolan (17:35)

5. Mourning the Mets & Baseball Playoff Picture (20:00–29:54)

Mets’ Collapse: Isabella and Katie share their disappointment as the Mets are ousted by the Marlins. Discussion of fan grief, bandwagoning, and the etiquette of rooting for other teams.
Celebration Controversy: Marlins taking a team photo after their win is debated; hosts agree it’s fine, Mets' booth being "butt hurt."
Notable Fan Moment: The Marlins “spoiling” the Mets' season draws Katie’s ire and jokes about baseball grief. "Playoff baseball is the best time of the year, Isabella." – Katie (22:06)
Astros Out, Guardians Win in Quirky Fashion: Guardians win to secure a playoff spot on a walk-off hit-by-pitch, knocking out the Astros.
Quote: "He called you a turd." – Katie, to Astros fans via Brady (26:21)

6. Cool Baseball Feats: Dumper Hits 60, Naylor Steals 30 (28:28–30:53)

Dumpertastic: The Mariners' catcher, affectionately dubbed “Dumper,” hits his 60th home run—a milestone even the crew doubted he’d hit.
Stats Anomalies: Josh Naylor, a slow-footed first baseman, steals 30 bases—“second percentile in sprint speed.”
Quote: "98% of all baseball players run faster than Josh Naylor. That's crazy." – Brady (30:23)

7. Baseball Broadcasts in Flux & Goodbye to Root Sports Northwest (33:28–36:41)

Regional Sports Upheaval: MLB takes over Root Sports Northwest from the Mariners, heralding a “shuttering” of local broadcasts and layoffs (including beloved sideline reporter Jen Mueller).
Industry Concern: Katie and Brady lament the loss of community and expertise, hope MLB’s streaming makes access better, not worse.
Quote: "These are human beings with relationships that go 20 years having their last broadcast together..." – Brady (34:57)

8. The Saga of the Homeless Athletics (Ball Sack, Anyone?) (37:00–39:17)

Jersey Changes: The Athletics will play in Sacramento as the "Sacramento Athletics" while awaiting relocation to Vegas, leading to the potential “Ball Sack” scoreboard when facing the Orioles.
Hosts’ Take: Sympathy for Oakland, branding oddities, and plenty of ball-related puns.
Quote: "We deserve that if nothing else." – Katie on the "Ball Sack" matchup (39:17)

9. Manager Merry-Go-Round & Giants' Next Move (39:17–41:21)

Firings: Giants part ways with Bob Melvin, Twins let go of Rocco Baldelli.
Speculation: Katie muses on the possibility of Bruce Bochy returning to the Giants.
Aging Leadership: Brief tangent on old coaches and crossover with other public figures, like Paul Finebaum potentially running for Senate.

10. WNBA Playoff Drama & Officiating Outrage (42:31–45:16)

Links Exit: Rehash of the playoff series where the Minnesota Lynx were hurt by a missed foul call, costing them their star and coach (Cheryl Reeve).
Mercury’s Run: Mercury beat both finalists from last year; Fever also forcing a decisive game.
Quote: "She said it was fucking malpractice... that that officiating crew was allowed to call that game the way they did." – Brady, on Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve (43:57)

11. Ryder Cup Chaos & Crowd Etiquette (45:16–48:35)

Golf Goes Wild: Ryder Cup marred by unruly U.S. fans, performer controversy, and even a beer thrown at Rory McIlroy’s wife.
American Fandom Dilemma: Katie compares rooting for flawed but home teams across sports.
Quote: "Golf loves to s its own D... and then people love the Ryder Cup because it’s about heckling." – Katie (47:31)

12. NFL Highlights: Injuries, Gaffes, and Gummy Game (48:35–60:39)

Key Storylines: Tyreek Hill’s devastating injury, Dolphins win, Lamar Jackson’s hamstring issue, Giants’ win with rookie QB Jackson Dart, and more.
Major Oops: Adonai Mitchell fumbles a surefire touchdown, possibly costing Colts the game.
Sideline Drama: Jaguars-Niners coaches’ verbal altercation: “Keep my name out your fucking mouth” vs. “I will your world up.” (58:48–58:53)
Giants Hire/Fire Updates: Cowboys-Packers end in a 40–40 overtime tie and management shenanigans discussed.
Quote: "I think last night... was the first sweatpants culottes versus sweatpants culottes matchup in NFL history." – Brady (51:25)

13. What to Watch This Week (60:39–61:52)

Chris’s Picks:
- US Open Cup Final (Nashville SC vs. Austin FC) – Soccer, Wed., Oct. 1, 8pm ET, Paramount+.
- NRL Rugby Grand Final (Melbourne Storm vs. Brisbane Broncos) – Rugby League, Sun., Oct. 5, 5:30am ET, watchnrl.com.
- Red Sox vs. Yankees – MLB, Tonight, 6:08pm ET, ESPN.

Notable Quotes

"Let's all calm down. Okay? Let's all calm down." – Katie Nolan (03:17)
"Fat bear week. Is this real? There's no way this is real." – Katie Nolan (05:41)
"98% of all baseball players run faster than Josh Naylor. That's crazy." – Brady (30:23)
"She said it was fucking malpractice…that that officiating crew was allowed to call that game the way they did." – Brady (43:57)
"Golf loves to s its own D… and then people love the Ryder cup because it’s about heckling." – Katie Nolan (47:31)
"That's gotta suck as an experience. Not ideal. But you did it. You went there and you did that. You should be proud of yourselves. I didn't do it. You'll never catch me doing it. I'm a big baby." – Katie Nolan (09:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

04:28 – Fat Bear Week Email & Bracket Breakdown
07:03 – The "Bum Scrum" & Rugby Chat
09:33 – WNBA Lynx Apology and Sports Accountability
16:07 – Super Bowl Halftime Show Announcement (Bad Bunny)
20:00 – Mets’ Playoff Exit, Marlins Celebration, and Fan Grief
28:28 – Dumper’s 60th HR & Naylor’s Stolen Base Feat
33:28 – Root Sports Northwest Signs Off
37:00 – The Homeless Athletics & Sacramento Jerseys
42:31 – WNBA: Lynx Playoff Officiating Outrage
45:16 – Ryder Cup Antics & American Sports Fandom
48:35 – NFL Highlights: Injuries, Mishaps, Gummy Tie
60:39 – What to Watch This Week

Memorable Moments

The team’s utter disbelief (and enthusiastic acceptance) of Fat Bear Week as a real sporting event. (04:41–06:47)
The on-air roast and redemption of Brady for bailing on the Lynx.
The “Ball Sack” scoreboard possibility (37:39–39:17), executed with perfectly immature glee.
Heartfelt moments over the end of regional sports broadcasts and tributes to local sports media figures.
Wild discussion of coach-against-coach NFL sideline smack talk—uncensored, unfiltered, and all the more hilarious for it. (58:48)

Tone & Language

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves their sports talk with humanity, heart, and a dash of utter goofiness.

Apologies to the Lynx, Goodbye to the Mets, and Hello to Fat Bear Week

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Summary

Casuals with Katie Nolan – September 30, 2025

Episode: "Apologies to the Lynx, Goodbye to the Mets, and Hello to Fat Bear Week"

Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fat Bear Week: The Only Bracket That Matters (04:28–06:47)

2. Listener Mailbag: Bum Scrum & Sporting Lexicon (07:03–08:15)

3. WNBA Apologies & Accountability (09:33–12:35)

4. Super Bowl Halftime Reveal: Bad Bunny! (16:07–17:05)

5. Mourning the Mets & Baseball Playoff Picture (20:00–29:54)

6. Cool Baseball Feats: Dumper Hits 60, Naylor Steals 30 (28:28–30:53)

7. Baseball Broadcasts in Flux & Goodbye to Root Sports Northwest (33:28–36:41)

8. The Saga of the Homeless Athletics (Ball Sack, Anyone?) (37:00–39:17)

9. Manager Merry-Go-Round & Giants' Next Move (39:17–41:21)

10. WNBA Playoff Drama & Officiating Outrage (42:31–45:16)

11. Ryder Cup Chaos & Crowd Etiquette (45:16–48:35)

12. NFL Highlights: Injuries, Gaffes, and Gummy Game (48:35–60:39)

13. What to Watch This Week (60:39–61:52)

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Key Segments

Memorable Moments

Tone & Language

Summary

Casuals with Katie Nolan – September 30, 2025

Episode: "Apologies to the Lynx, Goodbye to the Mets, and Hello to Fat Bear Week"

Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fat Bear Week: The Only Bracket That Matters (04:28–06:47)

2. Listener Mailbag: Bum Scrum & Sporting Lexicon (07:03–08:15)

3. WNBA Apologies & Accountability (09:33–12:35)

4. Super Bowl Halftime Reveal: Bad Bunny! (16:07–17:05)

5. Mourning the Mets & Baseball Playoff Picture (20:00–29:54)

6. Cool Baseball Feats: Dumper Hits 60, Naylor Steals 30 (28:28–30:53)

7. Baseball Broadcasts in Flux & Goodbye to Root Sports Northwest (33:28–36:41)

8. The Saga of the Homeless Athletics (Ball Sack, Anyone?) (37:00–39:17)

9. Manager Merry-Go-Round & Giants' Next Move (39:17–41:21)

10. WNBA Playoff Drama & Officiating Outrage (42:31–45:16)

11. Ryder Cup Chaos & Crowd Etiquette (45:16–48:35)

12. NFL Highlights: Injuries, Gaffes, and Gummy Game (48:35–60:39)

13. What to Watch This Week (60:39–61:52)

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Key Segments

Memorable Moments

Tone & Language